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Three-quarters of occupational health practitioners face workplace bullying, data finds

The study, in collaboration with the SOM and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM), found 40% faced discrimination during their careers.

Three-quarters of occupational health practitioners face workplace bullying, data finds
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Three-quarters (75%) of occupational health practitioners experienced workplace bullying, harassment and abuse, according to research from the University of Glasgow found.

The study, in collaboration with the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM), found 40% faced discrimination during their careers.

Women and disabled practitioners faced the highest risk of bullying, harassment and abuse. Black, Asian and minority ethnic, disabled and female practitioners faced the highest risk of discrimination.

Workers assessed by practitioners in clinics were responsible for 59% of bullying, harassment and abuse. 

Employers, including managers and HR staff, accounted for 47%.

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Employers and colleagues were each responsible for 20% of reported discrimination, followed by workers attending clinics at 19%.

Nearly two-fifths of practitioners did not report the most recent incident they experienced.

The authors called for clear workplace policies, confidential reporting channels, better training, prompt investigations and stronger leadership.

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Neil Greenberg, president of the Society of Occupational Medicine, said: “It is totally unacceptable that as many as three-quarters of occupational health practitioners suffer abuse, bullying and harassment day in, day out, simply while doing their job. 

“While abuse and bullying from patients and workers is bad enough, the extent to which practitioners are also suffering at the hands of co-workers and even the very employers they are contracted to work for is appalling.

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“With the UK health workforce already suffering from long-term sickness and a dire shortage of staff, protecting our staff – occupational health practitioners and NHS staff – is vital. Real, tangible change across the board is needed, right now.”

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