WorkSafe Tasmania Month, 30 September – 1 November 2013

New figures released today by WorkSafe Tasmania show a total of 68 injuries in Tasmanian
workplaces were caused by work related harassment and/or workplace bullying in 2012, compared
with 129 injuries reported in 2011, and 47 injuries in 2007.

Speaking at the Workplace bullying conference, in Hobart, held as part of WorkSafe Tasmania
Month, WorkCover Tasmania Board member, Kevin Harkins said bullying and harassment occurs
when people use and abuse power to deliberately trouble, oppress or upset a person.

“Bullying can have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the targeted individuals and can
result in depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, headaches, lowered self-esteem and even suicidal
thoughts,” Mr Harkins said.

“The negative impacts also often extend to families, with the individual withdrawing or taking out
their anger and frustration at home.

“Time off work is often then required to treat the physical and psychological effects of bullying, or
the person leaves their job, which may add financial pressure to the family, further compounding an
already difficult situation.”

Mr Harkins said WorkSafe Tasmania was currently undertaking a statewide research project to gain a
better understanding of workplace bullying in Tasmania, given that the figures have varied
considerably over the past few years.

“This research will investigate individuals’ and organisations’ perceptions and experiences with
bullying and, if required, will inform the development of strategies to reduce the impact of bullying
in the workplace,” he said.

“The Workplace Bullying Project commenced in late 2012, with the aim of developing a strategy to
address workplace bullying and initiatives to reduce the impact of bullying behaviour.

“To be informed by the current research, the Tasmanian Workplace Bullying Strategy will look at
defining exactly what workplace bullying is, initiatives to raise awareness that inappropriate
behaviour will not be tolerated, developing management systems and building organisation
capacity.”

The Workplace Bullying conference will also be presented in Burnie on Wednesday 16 October and
Launceston on Wednesday 30 October. Attendance is free and Tasmanians can register to attend by
visiting www.worksafe.tas.gov.au or by phoning 1300 366 322.
WorkCover Tasmania Board member, Kevin Harkins