The Commission for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) wants to hear from the public over the possibility of a Code of Practice governing behaviour in the workplace.
Last month the COSH endorsed a draft workplace behaviour code of practice with the proviso that there should be a three-month public consultation period that will end on 30 August.
“The guidance in this draft code of practice should be considered in conjunction with the general duties in the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the draft Violence and Aggression at Work Code of Practice,” the COSH said in a statement.
“This code focuses on the general principles applied to the prevention and management of inappropriate or unreasonable behaviour in the workplace.”
The COSH said the intent of the Code of Practice was to provide practical guidance for workplaces where people might be exposed to various forms of inappropriate or unreasonable workplace behaviour.
This could include including physical assault, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation and harassment.
Safe Work Australia further defines unacceptable workplace behaviour as biting, scratching, hitting, kicking, pushing, grabbing, throwing objects or intentionally coughing or spitting on someone.
Also included is sexual assault or any other form of indecent physical contact; harassment or aggressive behaviour that creates a fear of violence, such as stalking, and hazing or initiation practices for new or young workers.
