A rise in prosecutions for workplace bullying could create a spike in workers’ compensation claims, Suncorp Commercial Insurance warns.

Under recent amendments to the Fair Work Act staff who believe they are being victimised can apply to the Fair Work Commission for an order demanding action.

Failure to act on a commission order brings penalties of up to $10,200 for individuals and $51,000 for corporations.

Suncorp Chief of Workers’ Compensation Portfolio Jason Allison says bullying victims can also claim for psychological injury, which could lead to a rise in workers’ compensation cases.

Businesses can avoid Fair Work Commission orders by implementing processes to show bullying is being addressed, he says.

Companies should develop risk management procedures with brokers and workers’ compensation providers.

“Workers’ compensation professionals can assist in implementing systems to identify [bullying] behaviours – since they are effectively health and safety risks – before they become a problem.”