26 September 2023

Safe Work launches harassment guide

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Safe Work Australia has developed new resources to provide guidance on preventing workplace sexual harassment, violence, aggression and domestic violence.

In a statement, Safe Work Australia said the nation’s model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws mandated that employers proactively manage risks to health and safety arising from work.

“This includes both physical and mental health,” the Agency said.

“The new information provides guidance to anyone who has a WHS duty to protect the health and safety of workers.”

It said the Australian Human Rights Commission’s report on sexual harassment in Australian workplaces highlighted how prevalent this was and the harm it caused.

“There is a lot that employers can do beyond responding to complaints,” it said.

“Work health and safety duties require employers do everything they reasonably can to prevent sexual harassment from occurring at work, just like other risks to health and safety.”

Safe Work Australia said its new guide, Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment, was the first comprehensive WHS guidance in Australia to focus on preventing sexual harassment.

“The guidance supports businesses and organisations to meet their WHS duties with practical steps to identify risks and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

“It is supported by information sheets for small businesses and workers,” it said.

Further information can be accessed on Safe Work Australia’s website at its ‘Workplace violence and aggression’ page at this PS News link.

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