How To Deal With Abuse In The Workplace

How to deal with abuse in the workplace changes character the moment an organisation becomes aware of it.

Before that, it is a hazard you should have been looking for. Afterwards, it is a known risk, and work health and safety duties require known risks to be managed so far as is reasonably practicable.

Which means doing nothing while deciding what to do is not neutral. It is a period during which the organisation knew and allowed it to continue.

Practical sequence. Address immediate safety, without moving the person who raised it in a way that costs them. Record what you were told. Explain what happens next and what they control. Get advice before investigating where conduct may be criminal. And check back rather than assuming silence means resolved.

Safe Work Australia covers the duty to manage known risks. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

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