Racism at work: a safety issue for every workplace

In an increasingly diverse and interconnected world, businesses are placing greater focus on psychological health, inclusion and respectful workplace cultures. This is particularly relevant in industries such as construction, where workers come from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

The Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) has released a position statement calling for racism to be recognised as a workplace health and safety (WHS) issue and managed as a psychosocial hazard. According to the AIHS, racism can cause significant psychological harm and should be addressed using the same risk management approach applied to other workplace hazards.

The AIHS notes that workplace racism can include obvious behaviours such as racial slurs and discrimination, as well as more subtle forms including unconscious bias, exclusion and microaggressions. Research cited in the statement shows workplace racism remains prevalent and often goes unreported.

For employers, the key message is that preventing racism is not solely an HR function. Businesses should incorporate racism prevention into their WHS systems through leadership, worker consultation, accessible reporting processes and training that supports respectful workplace behaviours.

For the construction industry, fostering inclusive workplaces supports not only worker wellbeing but also stronger safety cultures, where all workers feel confident to raise concerns and contribute to safe work practices.

What Businesses Should Do

The AIHS recommends that organisations move beyond simply having anti-discrimination policies and instead integrate racism prevention into their broader WHS management systems. Key actions include:

• Identifying and assessing racism as a psychosocial hazard.
• Establishing confidential and accessible reporting pathways.
• Monitoring workforce experiences through meaningful consultation.
• Providing managers and supervisors with training to recognise and respond to racism in all its forms.
• Addressing inappropriate behaviour from clients, customers, contractors and other third parties.
• Focusing on leadership behaviours and organisational culture that promote inclusion and respect.

A Shared Responsibility

As psychosocial hazards continue to receive greater regulatory attention across Australia, the AIHS is advocating for clearer guidance and stronger integration between WHS and anti-discrimination frameworks. The message is clear: preventing racism is not solely an HR responsibility—it is a workplace health and safety obligation that requires leadership, consultation and proactive risk management.

For MBA members, the opportunity is to strengthen both workplace culture and safety outcomes by ensuring every worker, regardless of their background, can contribute and thrive in a respectful and inclusive environment.

Further information on this case can be viewed at Source: Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS), Understanding Racism as a Workplace Health and Safety Issue Position Statement, 2026.

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📧 workplace@mba.org.au