Common workplace hazards for young workers in the automotive industry include:

	Manual handling e.g. pushing, pulling, carrying and lifting objects.
	Work environment e.g. floor surfaces, noise, temperature, ventilation and access.
	Machinery e.g. powered and non-powered equipment.
	Heat e.g. burns and scalds.
	Electricity.
	Harassment, bullying or violence involving co-workers or customers.
	Hazardous substances e.g. chemicals, fumes.
	Cuts and other skin penetrating injuries.
	Working in confined spaces.
	Workplace stress.

Workplace Bullying and Harassment

Bullying can occur in any workplace and can be difficult to identify. It is an employer's responsibility to provide a safe workplace, which means if there has been an injury, an incident of violence or aggression or a complaint of violence, bullying or harassment, then it must be dealt with appropriately.

Bullying can include:

	Verbal abuse, insults, threats of violence and intimidation.
	Nit picking.
	Sarcasm.
	Unjustified criticisms and belittling of one's opinion.
	Teasing and making jokes about someone.
	Threats of dismissal or other punishment for no reason.
	The sabotaging of a person's work.
	Tampering with a person's personal effects.
	Overworking someone or placing unreasonable work targets and demands upon someone.
	Deliberately withholding important information.
	Restrictive or petty rules.
	Constant intrusive surveillance.
	Ostracising people from social networks.
	Imposing demeaning tasks and making fun of young workers or trainees in the name of "initiation" into the work culture.

Other serious forms of bullying can include physical attacks such as pushing, tripping, grabbing, punching, spitting or any other form of direct physical contact. Harassment on the basis of one's gender, race, religion, disability, sexual preference, marital status, pregnancy or age is also considered bullying, as is any form of sexual harassment.

Preventing Bullying and Violence in the Workplace

	Training – in interpersonal and communication skills that defuse and prevent potentially threatening situations.
	Communication – helps defuse tension and frustration, and is very important at removing the taboo of silence that often surrounds sexual harassment, bullying and ganging up.
	Improving the physical environment and layout of the workplace – this can help to reduce stress.
	Better work organisation and job design – this reduces the likelihood of stress, tension and aggression.
	Breaking bad habits – this involves replacing practices which have the potential to cause harassment or bullying of young workers (such as initiation ceremonies) with other (safe) forms of celebration.
	Creating a culture of respect – this will reduce the likelihood of violence, bullying and harassment in the workplace.
	Treat all complaints seriously and act on them – this may include:
	o Writing a letter of apology to the person being bullied. o Writing a formal written warning to the bully. o Compulsory counselling or retraining. o Transfer to another part of the organisation. o Suspension with or without pay. o Withdrawal of privileges. o Demotion or dismissal.