Peter Howard, 59, complained about workplace bullying for decades before he died near his place of employment in 2018, inquest hears

The coronial inquest into the death of a factory worker has commenced, hearing he reported workplace bullying to his GP for 28 years. Warning: Distressing

A factory worker complained to his GP about workplace bullying for many years before his death, an inquest has heard.

Peter Howard was 59 when he died near his workplace, Orora Packaging, at Athol Park, on August 28, 2018.

The inquest heard that on that morning he left work after an “incident” to purchase 60L of fuel, before returning a short time later and parking his car in full view of the workplace.

The vehicle exploded a short time later.

Deputy State Coroner Ian White is holding a coronial inquest to determine whether Mr Howard took his own life as a result of workplace bullying.

Counsel assisting the Coroner, Peter Longsen, said the inquest would seek to address two key questions.

“Why did Mr Howard leave his place of employment without permission of the management to purchase what is believed to be in the order of 60L of unleaded fuel and return to the immediate vicinity of the workplace?” he said.

“Secondly, how did the fire in the cabin of the car start at that location and time?”

Giving evidence on Monday, Mr Howard’s GP Dr Barry Nicholson revealed his client had referenced “workplace issues” relating to mental health on 21 occasions in 105 visits across 28 years.

He said Mr Howard had anxiety and would “ruminate” about things that happened to him.

“He was a very, very sensitive person,” he said.

“He was annoyed by what was happening to him.

“But I never saw him as a danger to himself of others.”

The inquest heard Mr Howard had disclosed a previous suicide attempt to Dr Nicholson in 1993.

“But he didn’t feel suicidal after,” Dr Nicholson said.

Mr Howard kept a workplace diary for almost two decades which documented alleged repetitive and targeted behaviour by colleagues that included tampering with his forklift, teasing and other abuse.

Peter Howard with wife Sharon and son Jacob.

Carmel Schwartz and Sharon Howard with a photo of Peter Howard, December 11, 2021. Picture: The Advertiser / Morgan Sette

Mr Longsen said one specific incident involved a colleague placing chilli flakes in his water bottle.

A written warning was issued to the co-worker in relation to that incident and he later apologised to Mr Howard.

Speaking outside court, his sister Carmel Schwartz said she was hopeful the inquest would provide answers for the family.

“My brother was a kind and decent human being and yet he was the easy target,” she said.

“They made his life hell.”

The inquest continues.