Farting at Work
With the return of millions of employees who work in remote locations from their homes to the office comes frequent interaction with other employees. A Australian employee was unhappy with his supervisor’s behavior and the Appeals Court had to decide whether excessive flatulence in the intestines directed at a colleague could be considered bullying, or not. David Hingst was an engineer employed by Construction Engineering Pty, Limited. His boss was a nemesis who was named Greg Short.
Hingst stated that he relocated from a common office to avoid Short’s indignation. Hingst admitted to the judge that Short would come into Hingst’s tiny windowless office several times per day and would break the wind then leave. Hingst “alleged it was because Mr. Shirt often shattered the wind against him or towards him and or at him. Short thinking this to be hilarious,” the two appeal court judges wrote in their decision. In other instances, “he would fart behind me, then leave.
This would happen five to six times per day” Hingst said. A judge from the Australian Supreme Court of Victoria decided against the fartee because the supervisor’s behavior in accordance with Australian law had to be in a way that is unreasonable enough to trigger a “recognizable psychiatric illness,” and there was no evidence to prove it by Hingst. Therefore, the behavior may be uncomfortable however, it wasn’t a crime to bully.
Workplace Bullying
Although this particular case comes from Australia may be humorous but it is an opportunity to highlight the petty conduct of workplaces between employees. According to New Hampshire common law, there are only a handful of instances of bullying that involve the private workplace. But , illegal bullying at work, which should be above the level of unpleasantness is a major problem. If you happen to get “wind” of such a workplace bullying incident and you are concerned, it is recommended to speak with an New Hampshire employment law attorney at Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C. by calling 1-800-240-1988.
He would fart behind me, then leave.
– David Hingst
If you have to fart, try to hold it in as long as you can and excuse yourself to another room. Then, let it rip!