Workplace Investigation Guides & Articles
Real estate employee paid $9 per hour, workplace investigation finds
In a shocking recent case of employee exploitation, workplace investigators were at the forefront of examining a matter that involved gross underpayment of staff, bringing the case to the attention…
Sacking of inappropriate group emailer lawful after legitimate workplace investigation, says Fair Work Commission
The summary dismissal of an inappropriate group emailer and serial complainant by a regional water board has been ruled lawful by the Fair Work Commission. The employee had lodged complaints…
Employee compensated after being terminated for visitor bringing rifle to work: the importance of thorough workplace investigations
Informal responses are not appropriate when an employer or an employee is faced with allegations of serious misconduct in the workplace. Initiating an independent workplace investigation ensures that any decision…
Larger payouts in sexual harassment cases – a warning to employers who fail to handle complaints properly
When a complaint of an alleged harassment, bullying or discriminatory behaviour is made, an informal response is not appropriate. Employers can be held vicariously liable for such behaviours as they…
Train driver who left his co-driver behind at a toilet break reinstated by Commission: the need for thorough workplace investigations
When an employer is faced with allegations of employee misconduct, it is crucial that the complaint is investigated thoroughly. Initiating a workplace investigation ensures that any decision made is fair…
Preparing for and Conducting Workplace Investigations: what you need to know
The purpose of a Workplace Investigation A workplace investigation is a process to collect and review information in relation to a complaint of inappropriate behaviour (such as harassment, discrimination &…
Sacked Employee Wins Compensation Based on Flimsy CCTV Evidence: the Importance of Thorough Workplace Investigations
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently ruled in favour of a sacked truck driver and ordered his employer to pay him more than $25,000 in compensation for a dismissal which…
Ignoring allegations of inappropriate behaviour leads to costly litigation
When an employer is faced with allegations of inappropriate employee behaviour, it is important that the complaint is investigated thoroughly. Initiating an investigation in response to a complaint can accelerate…
Informal mediation is not enough when addressing bullying allegations
A recent Fair Work Commission hearing vindicated two real estate employees who claimed they were threatened with violence, abused, belittled and humiliated at work. The employees had taken their…
Employer loses dismissal case due to misinterpretation of Fair Work regulations
A recent decision by the Fair Work Commission ruled that an employer, who had otherwise “acted quite benevolently” in accommodating the needs of a worker suffering from poor health, had…