The Western Australian Government has launched a new suite of tools to help mining companies create safer workplaces for women through the Respect in Mining program.
Designed to support small and medium mining organisations in increasing awareness and knowledge of gendered drivers of violence, the Respect in Mining program provides guidance on how to set clear standards and expectations for behaviour.
The new toolkit, developed by Curtain University’s Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, includes:
- leadership support and commitment guidance
- a sexual harassment and sexual assault policy template
- assessment and audit tools to identify the culture of the workplace
- dealing with backlash and resistance guidance
- review and improving practice guidance.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe and supported at work,” Women’s Interest Minister Sue Ellery said.
“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.
“The toolkit and the Respect in Mining program is one of many initiatives being undertaken by the Western Australian Government that highlights our commitment to ensuring the Western Australian resources sector offers a friendly, accommodating and empowering workplace for women.”
The toolkit has been released as National Safe Work Month kicks off in October.
“The Respect in Mining toolkit will be available sector-wide and will help create safer workplaces for women in Western Australia,” Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said.
“We all have a responsibility to speak out against sexual harassment and other unacceptable workplace behaviours.”