Respect in Mining program launches

A suite of new tools to help WA mining companies create safer workplaces for women is now available as part of the State Government’s Respect in Mining program.

The Respect in Mining program is designed to support small and medium mining companies to increase awareness and knowledge of the gendered drivers of violence, the impact of gender inequality on women’s safety and economic security, and the impact of gendered division in leadership and decision making.

The tools and resources in the program will provide guidance to mining companies on how to set clear standards and procedures for expectations of behaviour, and identify and appropriately respond to incidences of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace.

WA Women’s Interests Minister Sue Ellery commented on the program.

“Everyone has a right to feel safe and supported at work. Workplace sexual harassment is not a women’s issue; it’s a societal issue which all organisations, employers and individuals have a responsibility to address,” she said.

“We need to encourage more women to join the resources sector by treating them with respect, ensuring their safety and providing support.”

Developed by Curtin University’s Collaboration for Evidence, research and Impact in Public Health, the Respect in Mining toolkit will be available all across the mining sector. The program provides companies with 19 tools and resources which can be adapted to the workplace, including:

• Guidance on how to gain leadership support and commitment
• A template to develop a sexual harassment and sexual assault policy
• Assessment and audit tools to identify culture or risk of sexual harassment and sexual assault
• Guidance on dealing with backlash and resistance
• Procedures and guidance on how to review and improve practice

The launch of this toolkit complements the start of National Safe Work Month this October.

WA Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston says the toolkit will help create safer workplaces but more still needs to be done.

“The Respect in Mining toolkit will be available sector-wide and will help create safer workplaces for women in WA,” he said.

“While the mining and resources sector has begun its journey to change workplace culture, the [WA] Government acknowledges there is still much more to be done.

“We all have a responsibility to speak out against sexual harassment and other unacceptable workplace behaviours.”