Fortescue Metals Group charged over sexual harassment documents

WorkSafe WA has laid charges against mining company Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) for failing to supply documents relating to 34 cases of alleged sexual harassment at the company's mine sites. FMG has been charged with 34 counts of refusing or failing to comply with a requirement to provide documents to a WorkSafe inspector within a specified period without a reasonable excuse. The documents relate to cases of alleged sexual harassment at three mining operations — Christmas Creek, Solomon and Cloudbreak.

The Work Health and Safety Act 2022 gives WorkSafe inspectors the right to request that documentation be received within a specified time period unless a person in charge of the business or undertaking has a reasonable excuse for not supplying the documents. The case has been listed for mention in the Perth Magistrates Court on 17 March 2023, and the company is yet to enter a plea to the charges.

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