Ballarat Company Fined $10K After Apprentice Suffers Horrific Workplace Bullying

Introduction

A first-year apprentice in Ballarat, Victoria has endured a horrific ordeal of workplace bullying, culminating in being hung from a noose and assaulted with a drill. The company responsible has been fined $10,000 for its role in the abuse.

Key Points:

• Prolonged Bullying: The apprentice was subjected to ongoing physical and psychological abuse by colleagues.
• Physical Assaults: The abuse included spitting, headlocks, being shot at with a nail gun, and being poked in the groin with a drill.
• Sexual Harassment: The apprentice also faced sexually harassing comments and actions.
• Noose Incident: The abuse escalated when colleagues hung the apprentice from a noose, leaving him unable to breathe.
• Company Fined: The employer, Celsius Ballarat Pty Ltd, pleaded guilty in court and was fined $10,000.

Details of the Abuse

A WorkSafe investigation revealed a pattern of escalating abuse, starting with verbal taunts and escalating to physical assaults and sexual harassment. The apprentice was too afraid to report the abuse to management, fearing retribution. The culmination of the abuse occurred when two colleagues lifted the apprentice into a noose.

Legal Consequences

Celsius Ballarat Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to charges related to the workplace bullying. The company was fined $10,000 and ordered to pay costs. The court noted that the fine would have been doubled had the company not pleaded guilty.

Conclusion

This case highlights the devastating impact workplace bullying can have on victims and the importance of reporting such behavior. It also underscores the need for employers to create safe and respectful work environments where all employees feel empowered to speak up against abuse.