The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act) and the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WHS Regulations) outline the responsibilities and duties relating to workplace health and safety in Western Australia.

There are resources and guidance that can help you understand your obligations related to workplace bullying.

Company officers, such as directors, also known as persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), must exercise due diligence to ensure the business complies with WHS laws. This involves taking reasonable steps to ensure the business has the necessary resources and processes in place to eliminate or reduce risks, including those associated with workplace bullying.

Guidance and resources

• Guide for preventing and responding to workplace bullying 
• Dealing with workplace bullying – a workers' guide 
• Psychosocial hazards in the workplace: Code of practice
• Workplace behaviour: Code of practice
• People at Work: a free evidence-based psychosocial risk assessment tool for workplaces

Support

If you need more information or support, consider contacting one of the organisations below:

• Fair Work Commission: Helps resolve disputes about workplace bullying. In certain circumstances they may be able to try to stop the bullying from continuing by issuing a ‘stop bullying order’.
• WA Industrial Relations Commission: Assists with state public sector or unincorporated employer disputes.
• Fair Work Ombudsman: Provides guidance on workplace rights and responsibilities.
• Equal Opportunity Commission: Offers help with cases of harassment or discrimination.
• WorkCover WA: If a worker sustains a physical or psychological injury from workplace bullying and require medical attention or time off work, they may be able to access worker’s compensation.

Mental health support

There are a range of mental health bodies that can provide individual support to workers. The Mental Health Commission provides a list of organisations providing mental health support.

If your life is in danger, call 000 or go to your local hospital emergency department. You can also reach out to:

• 13 YARN: 13 92 76 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• 24 Hr Mental Health Emergency Response Line
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
• Mates (construction, mining and energy): 1300 642 111
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Ensuring a healthy and safe workplace is everyone’s responsibility. By managing risks like bullying, you help create a safer and more productive environment.