Protecting the offshore workforce from sexual harassment
NOPSEMA is aware of the current Western Australian parliamentary inquiry into sexual harassment against women in the mining industry. While the inquiry has focussed on onshore mining operations, NOPSEMA recognises a real and significant possibility that similar incidents may be occurring offshore.
The inquiry has heard that while companies are taking steps to stamp out bullying and harassment of any kind, sexual harassment and sexual assault is still occurring.
NOPSEMA has not received any reports of sexual harassment or assault occurring offshore to date, however, we recognise that such incidents may be underreported.
It is a requirement of the legislation that duty holders take all reasonably practicable steps to provide and maintain a physical environment that is safe for employees and without risk to their mental or physical health. This includes adequate management systems to prevent, and deal with, any incidents of harassment of any kind including sexual harassment and reporting of incidents to NOPSEMA as required.
Where members of the workforce feel that issues have not been adequately managed by the facility operator they may elect to make a complaint to NOPSEMA using our Feedback and Complains form or emailing feedback@nopsema.gov.au.
NOPSEMA is currently developing guidance material for industry in relation to this specific issue and will take on board any relevant recommendations when the inquiry tables its final report.