A recent incident involving a plumber in Victoria has highlighted the issue of apprentice hazing or bastardisation. A plumber was fined $20,000 in October after being found guilty of driving with a 19-year-old apprentice locked inside a toolbox on the tray of a ute during a 20-minute trip.
Meanwhile, in July, a company was fined $10,000 plus costs after one of its apprentices was hung from a noose and poked with a drill at work.
These disturbing cases, two of many over the years, underscore the urgent need to address the culture of hazing in Australian trades. These types of pranks, hijinks, initiation rituals, and assaults are prohibited under anti-bullying at work laws. Hazing must stop at the source – at work. Unfortunately, emerging research shows that systematic workplace bullying is common for apprentices.
Beyond the immediate physical dangers, such actions can have lasting psychological effects on young apprentices, affecting their mental health and perception of workplace safety.
Physical and Psychological Risks for Employers
Hazing shouldn’t be part of a rite of passage to earn a trade, particularly in male-dominated traditional sectors such as construction, plumbing and electrical. This practice poses real physical risks. Employers are liable for workplace injuries, including those that arise from dangerous practices like unsafe transportation.
In the toolbox case, the apprentice could have been seriously injured. WorkSafe and similar bodies mandate that employers maintain safe environments. So, breaches of these laws can lead to significant legal costs and fines. Failing to uphold safety standards increases risk exposure and damages workplace reputation.
The psychological impacts of hazing are also concerning. Mistreatment can lead to stress, anxiety, and long-term trauma, conditions recognised under workers’ compensation laws. An apprentice who experiences hazing may fear retaliation. They could develop mental health issues that impact their productivity and overall well-being, resulting in compensation claims. Such claims are a financial burden on employers and a reminder of the need to foster a respectful workplace.
The Financial and Legal Consequences of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation aims to protect employees from the repercussions of workplace injuries, whether physical or psychological. When employers fail to uphold these protections, they face substantial financial penalties (such as under Fair Work laws), potential lawsuits, and higher insurance premiums.
In cases like the toolbox incident, if the apprentice had suffered severe injury or trauma, the employer’s liability could surpass the initial fine, as claims involving mental health issues can increase in complexity and cost.
For employers, understanding the serious consequences of hazing-related incidents is essential. A commitment to safe work practices isn’t just ethical; it’s a financial safeguard that protects against costly compensation claims that can arise from workplace bullying and mistreatment.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Work Environment
To reduce the risk of workers’ compensation claims and create a thriving workforce, employers must prioritise safety and respect in their treatment of all employees, including apprentices. Here’s how:
- Implement a zero-tolerance policy towards hazing
- Proactively work to transition apprentices into your sector
- Provide training on appropriate workplace behaviour
- Offer mentorship programs
- Set clear, confidential channels for apprentices to report concerns and for whistleblowers to do the same, without fear of backlash, and
- Promptly investigate any complaints.
Check out Safe Work Australia’s guide for preventing and responding to workplace bullying.
A culture of safety and respect improves morale and builds long-term loyalty and productivity. As well, businesses that actively promote safe and supportive environments for their apprentices often see improved employee retention and overall team cohesion. Apprentices who feel respected and valued are more likely to stay in their roles, contribute positively, and develop into skilled tradespeople, reducing the industry’s skills gap. They’re more likely to recommend your workplace to their mates, which helps you build your talent pipeline and good reputation.
The Role of Workers’ Compensation in Apprenticeships
All employers should be mindful of their obligations under workers’ compensation laws, which cover physical and psychological injuries. Breaching these laws attracts stiff penalties, which will be more severe depending on:
- The nature and extent of hazing
- Whether the business knew of the behaviour and failed to act
- Any history of similar incidents, and
- The impact on the victim(s).
Building a Safer Workplace Together
The solution to apprentice hazing lies in cultivating a culture that prioritises safety, respect, and mental well-being. As your broker or adviser, we encourage you to work closely with us to ensure your workplace practices align with workers’ compensation requirements and protect the business from unnecessary risks. We can also help by reviewing current policies.
Addressing hazing not only safeguards apprentices but also strengthens the entire workforce, laying the groundwork for a safer, more productive industry.