Related Practice

Workplace Bullying Solicitors Dublin

Workplace Bullying

Bullying at work has been defined by the Report of the Taskforce on Workplace Bullying 2001 https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/what_you_should_know/codes_practice/cop6/ “Workplace Bullying is repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one or more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment, which could reasonably be regarded as undermining the individual’s right to dignity at work. An isolated incident of the behaviour described in this definition may be an affront to dignity at work but, as a once off incident, is not considered to be bullying.” (Recommended by the Report by the Task Force on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying published by the Stationery Office, March 2001)

Examples of Behaviour that may Constitute Bullying

Examples of behaviour that may constitute bullying are as follows:
  • Purposely undermining someone;
  • Targeting someone for special negative treatment;
  • Manipulation of an individual‘s reputation;
  • Social exclusion or isolation;
  • Intimidation;
  • Aggressive or obscene language;
  • Jokes that are obviously offensive to one individual by spoken word or email;
  • Intrusion by pestering, spying and stalking;
  • Unreasonable assignments to duties which are obviously unfavourable to one individual;
  • Repeated requests with impossible deadline or impossible tasks

Health And Safety Authority

The Health and Safety Authority in Ireland published a very useful Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the prevention and resolution of bullying at work. https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Workplace_Health/Bullying_at_Work/ Prevention is the best way to avoid the risk of bulling at work and an effective bullying prevention policy and a strong commitment to implementing it is certainly the best starting point and will assist employers in defending any claims. To schedule an initial consultation, contact us at +353 (01) 963 7000 or contactie@hatstone.com

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