Victorian company director charged for bullying employees

Victorian Company Director Charged for Bullying Employees

A Victorian company director charged for bullying employees is now facing prosecution after WorkSafe filed charges against a former director of a glass company for repeatedly bullying two workers.

The former director faces two charges under the Victorian OHS Act for failing to provide a safe working environment, with each charge carrying significant penalties for breaching duty of care obligations.

Details of the Alleged Bullying Behaviour

WorkSafe said "the charges relate to alleged repeated, unreasonable bullying behaviour by the former director at the company's workplace between March 2019 and May 2021."

This case highlights how bullying can severely impact employee health and wellbeing, reinforcing why robust safety systems remain essential for every organisation, regardless of size or industry.

Persistent bullying not only damages mental health but also undermines broader safety culture, making early intervention and clear reporting pathways critical for employers across Victoria.

What Happens Next

The matter will be heard at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 19 April 2023, where evidence relating to the alleged conduct will be presented.

This prosecution demonstrates WorkSafe's ongoing commitment to enforcing safety legislation and holding company directors personally accountable when duty of care obligations are breached.

Why This Case Matters for Employers

Cases like this show that safety legislation extends beyond physical hazards to cover psychological safety, including bullying and other forms of workplace mistreatment.

Employers should note that:

• Directors can be held personally liable for failing to maintain a safe environment
• Bullying behaviour spanning several years may result in multiple charges
• WorkSafe actively investigates complaints relating to psychological health, not just physical safety

Businesses seeking to strengthen their approach to workplace conduct might consider reviewing similar enforcement actions, such as the company and director fined for safety breaches, or the Victorian transport company charged after a worker's fatal fall.

Organisations across Victoria, and manufacturing, construction and healthcare sectors more broadly, should ensure clear policies exist to prevent bullying before it escalates into a legislative breach. A well-drafted Workplace Bullying Policy gives employers a documented framework for identifying, reporting and addressing unreasonable behaviour early.

For businesses wanting a broader view of enforcement trends, the Victorian taxi company charged for OHS violations leading to passenger deaths offers further insight into how seriously courts treat safety obligations.

Read more here.