Safework NSW’s resources for employees and employers

As part of its statement on allegations made by the Sydney Morning Herald, the NTIA has shared a range of resources for employees regarding respect at work.

24-Hour Support Services – details of the various services available to employees in need of support.

Reporting mechanisms – A four-page guide provides a general overview of the external reporting options available to NSW workers who may have experienced sexual harassment, and the outcomes available through each Government agency.

SafeWork NSW has a wide array of resources to support businesses to understand their obligations and to implement systems and processes.

This includes a list of six principles of a safe and respectful workplace that all businesses should exhibit.

1. Exceptional Leadership: Leaders who embody respectful behaviours, and actively champion a culture that embraces gender equality, inclusion and diversity.
2. Comprehensive Risk Management: Implementing the recommended four-step risk management process is crucial. This involves the identification, assessment, and control of any potential risks related to workplace sexual harassment, followed by periodic reviews to ensure effectiveness.
3. Trust and Accountability: Trust and accountability at every level of the organisation including empowering workers to speak up about harmful behaviours and taking early action in response to reports.
4. Proactive Engagement: Proactive and regular engagement with workers is key. Open channels of communication promote trust and facilitate the exchange of ideas and concerns.
5. Effective Work Design and Systems: Addressing workplace hazards and risks can be more effectively and efficiently achieved through improved design of the work, workplace, and systems of work. Applying ‘systems thinking’ can help duty holders to better identify which work design control options are important to workers’ health and safety.
6. Supportive Return and Recovery: Offering a safe and supportive return-to work process after injuries occur, aiding in their recovery and reintegration into the workforce.

SafeWork NSW has developed a suite of resources for businesses to use to educate themselves on their obligations as well as support the implementation of new systems and processes.

On demand webinars: These three webinars last approximately 15 minutes each and cover what is sexual harassment, steps to prevent it in the workplace and the steps to take to report it. These webinars are a useful educational tool not only for owners and operators but also management teams.  

Advisory visits from SafeWork NSW: If you are a small business with fewer than 50 full time equivalent employees you can request a visit by SafeWork NSW. This visit can help identify areas of improvement or areas of non-compliance. While it isn’t a certification, it can provide a starting point to build upon.   

Code of practice: For business owners and leaders this resource provides a clear explanation of Workplace Health and Safety Obligations. It also delivers a simple framework for risk management that can be adopted to address workplace sexual harassment matters.

Resource hub: There is an entire resource hub available online with factsheets, guides and more to support businesses.

If you’re currently in distress, please head to 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support.