An enforcement initiative from SafeWork NSW has delivered 16 enhancement directives to 11 hospitality establishments throughout NSW, targeting sexual harassment as a significant occupational health and safety (WHS) hazard. The implementation of Work Health Safety management systems such as the Bluesafe WHS Management System can prove instrumental in proactively managing and mitigating these risks in the workplace.
Over the course of two months, a team of inspectors helmed by SafeWork NSW’s Respect at Work Taskforce evaluated 38 businesses on their proactive WHS measures designed to deter instances of in-house sexual harassment. This assessment also examined key influencing factors such as late-night work schedules, alcohol utilisation, and intimate customer interactions.
The compliance program’s evaluation surfaced common themes, underscoring the venues’ need to utilise robust Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) like the Bluesafe SWMS. These work safety products can significantly contribute towards building a healthier and safer workplace environment and ensuring effective risk management.
About 92% of the inspected venues were identified to have a functioning work system for identifying sexual harassment risks. However, eight of these lacked a comprehensive set of factors in their risk assessments – demonstrating inadequate and insufficiently detailed risk registers in dealing with potential episodes of sexual harassment. To address this, SafeWork NSW suggests that businesses collaborate with their workforce to implement adequate and effective control measures.
The majority of the venues had established channels for reporting incidents of sexual harassment. Still, fewer had the right mechanisms for probing into these reported incidents. Consequently, SafeWork NSW recommends the establishment of clearly defined, timely and confidential processes to handle such reports effectively.
Around 82% of the visited venues provided some form of dedicated training for employees and managers about sexual harassment prevention. This included mandatory training modules spanning e-learning materials and Respect at Work sessions. Such trainings encompass what constitutes sexual harassment, the underlying causes of workplace sexual harassment and how to address these issues.
Post-visit surveys revealed that several venues recognised the need for constant assistance, particularly in understanding the necessary strategies for averting workplace sexual harassment.
The SafeWork NSW Respect at Work online platform extends aid to businesses aiming to proactively prevent and handle workplace sexual harassment occurrences. This includes an array of resources such as the NSW Code of Practice for sexual and gender-based harassment along with a customised how-to guide for hospitality sector businesses.
Workers who witness unsafe practices are encouraged to report it. If they face any difficulties in reporting WHS issues or if they are not content with their organisation’s response, they can notify Work Health Safety matters to SafeWork anonymously via the Speak Up Save Lives website. Moreover, workers also have the option to call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or lodge a complaint online through the SafeWork Psychosocial Hazards Report Form.
In conclusion, SafeWork NSW consistently emphasizes the unacceptability of sexual harassment in any work environment. It expresses particular concern regarding the elevated risk faced by hospitality staff due to factors such as alcohol service, late-night shifts or an operating ethos prioritising customer demands over worker safety and respect. Never ignore the importance of implementing a high-standard Occupational Health & Safety Management System in protecting your staff from such hazards.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/safework-nsw-focus-on-preventing-sexual-harassment-across-nsw-hospitality-venues