Blurred Lines? Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work
This month, a media release from WorkSafe WA announced prosecution action against the Department of Justice over a psychological injury to a former staff member. The Department is being charged with failing to provide a safe work environment, which allegedly led to bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), and victimisation. This is the first time WorkSafe has taken legal action under current legislation concerning psychosocial issues, with a potential fine of up to $3.5 million.
As the festive season approaches, the blurred lines around acceptable behaviour can be especially problematic. Social events often increase, and workplace boundaries can sometimes become unclear.
This case serves as an important reminder that inappropriate workplace behaviours, including sexual harassment, can lead to serious legal consequences for businesses and significantly impact the wellbeing and health of individuals. Recent changes in workplace laws, like Respect@Work and updated WHS regulations, have placed greater emphasis on the positive duty businesses have to prevent sexual harassment. This means taking proactive steps to manage these risks, rather than just responding after issues arise.
What often surprises people is what legally qualifies as sexual harassment. It’s not limited to overt physical touching; it can also include behaviours such as inappropriate jokes, comments, gestures, or unwelcome advances. These are just examples, and many other behaviours can fall under sexual harassment. With increasing scrutiny on these issues, it’s essential for leaders to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to prevent sexual harassment and manage inappropriate behaviours.
At Risk Collective, we’ve seen a surge in requests for Sexual Harassment at Work training for both leaders and employees. The great thing about our customised training is that we can tailor it to include your business’s specific prevention and response policies, procedures, and support mechanisms. However, we recognise that not every business may choose this option, so we’ve scheduled a public session.
In December, we’re offering an online Sexual Harassment Awareness Training for Leaders, facilitated by Risk Collective’s Workplace Psychologist, Steven Booker.
This training will cover:
What defines sexual harassment and the legal framework around it
Key responsibilities of leaders in preventing harassment
How to handle complaints and support affected employees
By attending, you’ll take proactive steps to protect your workplace from potential legal risks and foster a positive environment where everyone feels safe and respected.
Why Leaders Should Attend:
Promote a positive and safe workplace culture
Reduce the risk of litigation and workers’ compensation claims
Align with Respect at Work and WHS obligations