Toolkit to help eliminate sexual harassment in minerals industry

As the Australian minerals industry continues to take action to eliminate workplace sexual harassment, the Minerals Council of Australia has released a Respect@Work industry toolkit, to build on its commitment to eliminate sexual harassment and the Industry Code on Eliminating Sexual Harassment, released earlier this year. The Toolkit provides guidance on the systems that can be developed to respond to risks of sexual harassment and includes a suite of fact sheets, guidance and templates. MCA member companies acknowledged that sexual harassment occurs across society and the workforce, causing profound physical, emotional and psychological harm. The Australian minerals industry’s highest priority is the safety and health of its workforce, where everyone who goes to work returns home safe and healthy.

The Toolkit has drawn information from a range of sources, including the Australian Human Rights Commission, Champions of Change Coalition, Safe Work Australia, COMCARE, and state-based Human Rights Commissions and Safety and Health Authorities.

The fact sheets included in the Toolkit provide concise information and references that underpin why action is required, while guidance provides information on what to consider in developing policies and procedures. While there isn’t one single way to achieve the objectives of the industry’s commitment and code, each company is encouraged to adapt the information in a way that suits their business. A range of reference documents are also provided within each document, for companies to refer to for further information. The Toolkit also contains templates and checklists that can be adapted to suit the company.

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