Sexual harassment still goes on in many workplaces.
WorkSafe’s new campaign Speak Up. Report It. is all about addressing sexual harassment in the mining industry across Western Australia.
But first, what is sexual harassment?
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Sexual harassment entails any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour that’s offensive, humiliating or intimidating.
It has nothing to do with mutual attraction or consensual behaviour.
It can be physical, written, verbal or happen in person or online.
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Everyone deserves a safe and respectful workplace, free from sexual harassment.
No matter how big or small the incident is, ensuring you and your workmates feel safe coming to work is vital.
That’s why WorkSafe is here to help workplaces ensure they have a healthy and safe environment where workers’ rights are protected.
This campaign is in response to the Parliamentary inquiry into the sexual harassment of women in the fly-in fly-out (FIFO) mining industry which commenced in July 2021.
Over the years, a growing chorus of working women have spoken out against sexual harassment.
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However, silence across the resources industry remains a significant problem.
Camilla Golding, a corporate geologist at Lefroy Exploration, told ABC News she was sexually harassed in her graduate year.
Ms Golding said that sexual harassment is a prevalent issue in the male-dominated industry, which is why there are less women in the sector.
"I think not enough women speak up about incidents that have happened to them and I think it's more prevalent than what's even come out in the latest parliamentary inquiry," she told the outlet.
"More people are coming out, they're being more open, but I don't think it's yet quite a safe space.
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"Otherwise, we would see more women attracted to, and we'd see more women who are retained within, the industry, and the numbers suggest otherwise."
Don’t stay silent. Call it out. Report to your supervisor or through your workplace systems.
Visit WorkSafe’s website for information and services that can help you manage issues you may be facing. You can also use the sexual harassment evaluation tool for mine workers for step-by-step information.
Change the story and take action against sexual harassment today.
If you would like to access more information visit WorkSafe’s website.
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Charisa Bossinakis