Australia tops global rankings for workplace violence, harassment

Australia is alarmingly the world leader in workplace harassment and violence, with reports of staff being doused in petrol, threatened with rape and more. Here’s what victims should do.

…While sexual harassment is rife within Australian workplaces, bullying is a greater issue, lawyer and workplace behaviour expert Franca Sala Tenna says.

The director of workplace training provider EEO Specialists says unlawful initiation of new workers still occurs and, in many instances, is downplayed by perpetrators and even some organisations.

“(Many companies where workplace abuse occurs) have a really blokey culture and an attitude of ‘toughen up, princess’,’’ she says.

“I’ve heard of cases of people getting petrol thrown on them (in a workplace initiation) and they (the perpetrators) think that’s OK.

“It’s a culture of, ‘Get over yourself … you don’t have a sense of humour’. It (the behaviour) is still unlawful, but humour blurs people’s ability to make a rational judgement.’’

Sala Tenna says those who experience workplace abuse should take detailed notes and seek support from a trusted manager or their Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

She says observers to workplace abuse also have an obligation to call out the behaviour, support their co-worker and report the incident….