The NSW Government is supporting businesses to protect workers from sexual harassment and gender-based harm in the workplace with inclusive workshops for businesses and workers today in Campbelltown.
The ‘Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment Workshops’ were officially launched in March.
Workplace sexual harassment occurs in every industry, with 1-in-3 Australians having been harassed at work, according to the Australian Human Rights Commission Respect@Work National Inquiry Report.
The workshops are being jointly run by SafeWork NSW and the Department of Communities and Justice, and will provide local businesses with practical advice, resources and insights for supporting employers to prevent harassment in the workplace.
SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said sexual harassment and gender-based violence was unacceptable in any workplace.
“It can cause both physical and psychological harm to workers and exposes businesses to legal, financial and reputational risks,” she said.
“SafeWork NSW expects business to be aware of their work health and safety obligations to prevent sexual harassment.
“These workshops will help businesses understand the causes of gender-based harms, and how taking a work health and safety approach helps prevent workplace sexual harassment.
“I encourage all businesses to register their interest to attend these important workshops, which provide practical steps to build safer and more respectful workplaces.”
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work,” said Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis.
“These workshops will equip businesses with the knowledge and tools to prevent harassment at work and build a culture of safety in the workplace.
“The Minns Government has invested $127.7 million into SafeWork NSW, which includes 20 new psychosocial-focused inspectors to improve workplace mental health and safety, and compliance. We are also establishing the dedicated Psychosocial Advisory Service to provide information and support to businesses and workers.”
The most common types of workplace sexual harassment include sexually suggestive comments or jokes (27%), intrusive questions about a person’s private life or physical appearance (23%) and unwelcome physical contact (19%).
The funding for these workshops forms part of the NSW Government’s $38 million implementation of our Primary Prevention Strategy – Pathways to Prevention.
“We are taking a whole-of-community approach and working to change attitudes and behaviours that lead to gendered violence to stop the violence before it starts,” said Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison.
“The ‘From Risk to Respect’ workshops are a significant step in raising awareness and educating leaders and organisations on their responsibilities in preventing sexual harassment, as well as addressing the cultural and attitudinal challenges that give rise to gendered violence in workplaces.”
Details on how to register and more information on obligations to address workplace sexual harassment are available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/respect-at-work/from-risk-to-respect-workshops.
