Workplace regulator accused of 'bullying culture'

19 Sep 2011, 5:50 pm   -   By: Luke Waters
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WorkSafe Victoria, the authority responsible for investigating workplace bulling in Victoria, has itself become subject to allegations of a 'bullying culture.'

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WorkSafe Victoria, the authority responsible for investigating workplace bulling in Victoria, has itself become subject to allegations of a 'bullying culture.'

Now there are calls for the formation of an independent body to investigate workplace regulators nationally.

Former WorkSafe employee Jillian Ramsden, who was sacked by the regulator, says its advertisements are a cruel irony:

"What do they say at the bottom? It doesn't hurt to speak up .. WorkSafe.

And that just makes you sick to the pit of your stomach you see that day in day out as you're travelling to work, to Worksafe where your bullying complaints and the bullying complaints of a whole team of people are constantly being ignored."

Ms Ramsden claims to have been undermined and intimidated by a co-worker, and tells SBS that the complaints led to her dismissal. 

"I lost a lot of sleep, paced at night, a lot of tears. It's been really detrimental to my health."

Worksafe Victoria has denied allegations of a bullying culture.
 
"The fact that people raise these allegations and make complaints is a good thing because people are free and comfortable enough to raise them," says Maurice Blackburn lawyer Josh Bornstein.

The Community and Public Sector Union tells SBS it's received almost 20 complaints about bullying at the regulator this yea

When complaints are lodged against WorkSafe external contractors are hired to investigate.
 

You can also watch this video here. 

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