Workplace health and safety
Every worker has the right to a workplace that is healthy and safe. Achieving a safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of everyone, both employers and workers alike.
However, there are a few issues that can impact on achieving a healthy, happy and safe work environment.
Workplace safety
Workers can contract illness or disease, or sustain injuries from accidents as a result of their day to day work activities.
The management of occupational health and safety (OHS) aims to reduce the likelihood and severity of illness and injuries at work.
Occupational Health and Safety is administered by WorkCover in NSW. For more information contact WorkCover on 13 10 50 or visit their website WorkCover NSW.
topWorkplace bullying
Bullying in the workplace is a serious occupational health and safety problem that puts at risk the health and safety of workers, their colleagues and their families.
Bullying is a largely hidden problem in the workplace, often taking place behind closed doors and without witnesses.
Bullying can range from silly practical jokes to formalised and sometimes vicious initiation rites. Often it's the young or new workers that suffer and, because of peer pressure or fear of losing their jobs, they think they have to accept it. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable in the workplace.
For more information or help, contact WorkCover on 13 10 50 or visit their website WorkCover NSW.
Discrimination and harassment
Discrimination in employment occurs when a person is unfairly treated at work.
It is unlawful to discriminate against an employee because they need to care for or support a child or other 'immediate family member'.
Workplace harassment is where a person is subjected to behaviour that:
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is repeated, unwelcome and unsolicited
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the person considers to be offensive, intimidating, humiliating or threatening
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a reasonable person would consider to be offensive, humiliating, intimidating or threatening
Workplace harassment can be committed by:
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an employer
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a worker
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a co-worker or group of co-workers
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a client or customer, or a member of the public.
For more information about worker's rights in relation to discrimination or harassment in the workplace, visit the Anti-Discrimination Board website or contact them on 9268 5544 or 1800 670 812.
