Following the 2022 formal inquiry into sexual harassment against women in the workplace in the Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) mining sector by the Western Australian Parliament, there was a significant shift in public awareness surrounding workplace sexual harassment across the country. This spotlight on a critical issue prompted Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ), the independent health and safety regulator for the state’s resources industry, to take a bold stand in preventing and addressing sexual harassment within the sector.
RSHQ’s mandate extends across the mining, petroleum and gas, quarrying and explosives industries, where it administers and enforces health and safety legislation. In response to the growing call for change, RSHQ publicly committed to taking proactive measures to tackle sexual harassment head-on, setting a strong example for the industry. It appointed KPMG to deliver guidance for actionable change.
About the client
Client: Resource Safety & Health Queensland
Project: Tacking sexual harassment in Queensland's respources industry.
Location: Queensland
Sector: Mining
Services: Risk and compliance, governance, policy reform
What was needed
To turn this commitment into real, actionable change, RSHQ took a strategic step by partnering with us to craft a comprehensive guideline for managing the risk of workplace sexual harassment in Queensland’s resources sector. The goal? To provide clear, practical solutions that would help employers and workers alike navigate and address this critical issue.
To ensure the guideline was both effective and relevant, RSHQ went the extra mile, engaging in extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders. This included government bodies, industry leaders, special interest groups, and, importantly, the workers who are directly impacted. By gathering insights from all corners of the sector, we ensured that the final guideline would be rooted in the real-world challenges and needs of the industry, driving meaningful and lasting change.
What we did
We built a powerful, practical resource that directly addresses workplace sexual harassment in the Queensland resources sector. The guideline dives deep into understanding what sexual harassment looks like in this unique environment, pulling from the real-life experiences of workers who’ve lived through it.
We crafted clear, actionable guidance for managing the risk of harassment that can be customised to suit organisations at any stage of development. Whether a company is just starting to tackle these issues or is looking to refine its existing strategies, the guideline covers everything: from risk management and leadership to fostering a positive culture, building knowledge, and ensuring strong support systems. This isn’t just a set of rules – it’s a roadmap for meaningful change that works for every organisation, no matter where they are on their journey.
What we delivered
What we delivered was more than just a set of recommendations – it was a practical toolkit that empowers organisations to take meaningful action. Our team provided clear, tangible steps that can be immediately implemented to help companies meet their risk management obligations while boosting their overall maturity in handling these critical issues.
The guideline we created is the first of its kind, specifically tailored to the unique needs of the Queensland resources sector. This groundbreaking resource is set to play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of workplace sexual harassment and, most importantly, safeguarding the health, safety, and wellbeing of workers across the sector.
With this guideline, we’ve taken a significant step forward in creating a safer, more respectful environment for everyone in Queensland’s resources industry.
Find out more
Talk to us to find out how KPMG can help enhance governance and compliance and drive meaningful change across your organisation.
