September 02 2015

Pitfalls of a Tardy Investigation Process

We have written before about workplace investigations and their utility to help resolve complex disciplinary matters. A recent case has highlighted the potential consequences of an unnecessarily lengthy investigation.

In Antony Mundy v MSS Security Pty Ltd T/A MSS Security [2015] FWC 3226 a security guard was summarily dismissed for falling asleep while on duty. Senior Deputy President O’Callaghan agreed that there was a valid reason for termination. However the employer took six weeks to complete an investigation into the incident while the employee continued on in his role. The employee was then terminated for serious misconduct six weeks after the incident occurred. It was held that the employer’s response was disproportionate given that it had taken them six weeks to make a decision to terminate during which time the employee continued to work.

An order was made for reinstatement and compensation although the compensation was reduced significantly to take into account the misconduct.

Lesson for employers

Workplace investigations can provide a useful and efficient process to handle a range

August 10 2015

When Does Bullying Occur at Work?

A decision made by the Fair Work Commission has provided some guidance around what conduct will be treated as ‘at work’ in the new bullying jurisdiction.

The new bullying laws, in the Fair Work Act, mean that a worker can make an application and seek orders if they are being ‘bullied at work’.

The case involved a bullying application by three different workers against the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and DP World, a port operator. A full bench considered the definition of ‘at work’ in the context of allegations concerning inappropriate Facebook comments.

June 02 2014

The ins and outs of workplace investigations

Workplace investigations are becoming more commonplace, yet there is still a lack of understanding about the mechanics of investigations, and when they are needed. Below we set out briefly some of the reasons why you would consider an investigation, the key steps in the investigation process, and the pros and cons of different types of investigations.

April 13 2015

Flawed Workplace Investigation

Workplace investigations can be an important and useful tool. When used in the right situations and conducted appropriately a workplace investigation can resolve a range of issues including bullying and harassment complaints. A recent case, however, has highlighted the ramifications that may occur when an investigation is not conducted properly.

In Romero v Farstad Shipping (Indian Pacific) Pty Ltd[1] a shipping officer sent an email to her superiors alleging bullying by her ship’s captain during a 12 day sea voyage. In addition to Romero’s bullying allegations, the captain separately raised issues of competency in relation to Romero.

The employer, Farstad, proceeded to investigate the issues although failed to follow their own internal policy and the processes outlined within in. Specifically, Romero’s bullying complaint was investigated as a formal complaint although it had not been formally lodged as a complaint and this had not been the intention of Romero’s email. Added to this, the captain was interviewed before Romero (the complainant) about the alleged bullying and the issues of competency

Pitfalls of a Tardy Investigation Process

Lesson for employers

When Does Bullying Occur at Work?

The ins and outs of workplace investigations

Flawed Workplace Investigation

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