A FORMER radio announcer who verbally abused and threatened his colleagues was recently fined $10,000 fine for bullying while his employer faces further action after being charged with failing to provide a safe workplace
A FORMER radio announcer who verbally abused and threatened his colleagues was recently fined $10,000 for bullying while his employer faces further action after being charged with failing to provide a safe workplace.
In the landmark case, WorkSafe Victoria prosecuted the former employee on two counts relating to intimidating co-workers and for failing to take care of the health and safety of others in the workplace.
The case is the first time a worker has been convicted on allegations of intimidating co-workers under Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Ballarat Magistrates Court heard how Radio Ballarat station 3BA had sacked Reginald Mowat in October 2003 after allegations of attacks on six co-workers. However Mowat had subjected fellow employees to verbal abuse and threats of violence on ten occasions over the previous year.
Prosecutor Garry Livermore said the first incident occurred in March 2001, when Mowat allegedly slapped a co-worker across the face. He is also alleged to have threatened colleagues and unfairly criticised their work work performance.
In November 2002, Mowat allegedly told a a co-worker: “Fair dinkum, you’re f***in’ useless … you’re just f***in’ me around. I will take you down the back and f***in’ smash you, I will.”
Mowat, who also helped produce commercials for advertising clients, was asked to test drive a SAAB for an advertisement in September 2003.
However he told a co-worker that “he was not in the f***ing mood to do the commercial, the client was a prick and he was not in the mood for driving this crap [the SAAB]”. He then told the co-worker to “f*** off”.
Livermore said Mowat’s behaviour created tension and apprehension amongst his colleagues, and caused one staff member to take time off work and another to hide in her office if Mowat was nearby.
Magistrate James Mornane said the incidents were serious, repetitive and extended over a period of time and resulted in abused workmates taking time off, being afraid, and not wanting to come to work.
Radio Ballarat was charged with five offences, including failing to provide safe systems of work and failing to provide proper information, instruction, training and supervision. The company will face a mention hearing in mid August.
