Most of us go to work hoping for a positive environment, where we get along well with everyone we work with – and most of the time that’s the case. But what do you do if something goes wrong, and you start feeling uncomfortable in your work environment?
Dealing with any type of workplace harassment or safety violation is a serious issue that is not to be taken lightly. The impact it can have on you – both mentally and physically – can be monumental, so it’s important to remember that there are places you can get help if something goes wrong at work.
What if I’m in danger?
If you ever feel like you’re in danger at work, you can always call emergency services – 000 in Australia – and ask for assistance. If you’re not comfortable contacting the police, that’s OK; there are lots of other places you can get help as well. If the situation is not an immediate emergency, you can call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 for all states and territories (except for Victoria, where you will need to visit your local police station).
Here are some other places you can contact if you don’t feel comfortable talking to police:
- Free, confidential phone help line for young people aged 5 – 25
- You can have a chat by phone, online, or by email about anything that’s worrying you
- Phone: 1800 55 1800
- Free and confidential phone calls
- Staffed by trained telephone counsellors to assist people in crisis
- Open to people of all ages
- Phone: 13 11 14
- An anonymous, 24/7 chat service
- Heaps of facts and info, stories, videos, blogs and forums
- National youth mental health foundation
- Help with mental health, work and study, or any issues you may be having
- Chat one-on-one to a clinician online, or email
- Find a centre
- Phone: 1800 650 890
What are my rights?
It’s important to remember that you are entitled to a safe working environment in the workplace. It’s your employers responsibility to look after you, and they are required by law to ensure certain systems are in place to keep you protected.
Employers are obliged to:
- Create a safe work environment
- Assess risks and instruct on ways to avoid them
- Provide rest breaks for workers
- Provide suitable facilities for employees
- Ensure safe handling of dangerous goods or machinery
- Have insurance and workers compensation insurance
- Provide information about how to report unsafe conditions
- Have policies in place to deal with harassment, discrimination or bullying
It is important that all employers abide by these standards, and if they aren’t, there are ways you can report their neglect.
What if I’m dealing with sexual assault?
Sexual assault is against the law, and it is never OK. It’s an issue everyone needs to be aware of, and unfortunately, sometimes this crime can occur in the workplace. If this happens to you or someone close to you, there are steps you can take and people you can talk to.
Sexual assault can include physical assault, but also includes things like inappropriate comments, intimidation, and emotional abuse. It’s never something anyone should have to put up with.
If you feel safe to, you can talk to your manager about what’s happened, and they may be able to help. There are also tonnes of safe and confidential services available if you ever need to talk or need help or advice.
- Anywhere in Australia – 1800respect.org.au or call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
- LGBTQIA+ community (Australia) – Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline or call 1800 497 212
- ACT – Canberra Rape Crisis Centre – call 02 6247 2525
- New South Wales – NSW Rape Crisis Centre – call on 1800 424 017, or visit NSW Health Sexual Assault Services to find a number in your local area
- Northern Territory – Department of Health, Sexual Assault Referral Centres
- Queensland – Sexual Assault Helpline – call 1800 010 120
- South Australia – Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service – call 08 8226 8777 or 1800 817 421
- Tasmania – Sexual Assault Support Service – call 1800 697 877
- Victoria – Sexual Assault Crisis Line – call 1800 806 292
- Western Australia – Sexual Assault Resource Centre – call 08 6458 1828 or free call 1800 199 888
- Worldwide – NoMore Global Directory
Healthdirect also provides some advice on what you can do if you’ve been sexually assaulted, including your options if you decide to go to the police.
What if I’m being bullied?
Bullying in the workplace is also something you need to be aware of. Bullying can include things like harassment, intimidation, repeated teasing, or being made to feel uncomfortable. Everyone has the right to go to work without being bullied or harassed.
If you feel like you’re being bullied at work, you can try to talk with your manager and they might be able to help. There are also lots of other places you can visit or call to ask for help, or even just check out their website for more resources.
- Empower Work – text 510 674 1414 or start a webchat
- Lifeline – call on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline – call on 1800 55 1800
- Headspace – service for young people with centres across Australia
- Safe Work Australia – (02) 6240 0303
What if i feel like my concerns are being ignored?
If you’ve talked to your manager but feel like your concerns are being ignored and things aren’t getting any better at work, there are other places you can go to take action.
- Lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Commission or call on 1300 799 675
- Make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission – call on 1300 656 419
- Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice on 13 13 94
- Contact the Work Safe Authority in your state or territory
- Get advice from Australian Unions on 1300 486 466
- Get legal help from a Community Legal Service near you
Remember that everyone has the right to feel safe and respected at work. You can always speak out if you feel like something’s wrong at work – it doesn’t matter how old you are, how long you’ve been in the job, or if the harassment is coming from someone in a position of power.
Want more health and wellbeing tips?
If you want to prioritise your health and wellbeing, we have loads of tips and helpful discussions you might like on our website here.