The peak safety body – Australian Institute of Health and Safety has released its position on workplace sexual harassment

The peak safety body – Australian Institute of Health and Safety has released its position on workplace sexual harassment, calling on business leaders and employers to treat sexual harassment as a preventable workplace health and safety risk, not handled solely as an HR or behavioural matter.

Read the full article at: Media Release: Peak Safety Body Calls on Businesses to Embed Sexual Harassment Prevention into WHS – The Australian Institute of Health and Safety

Recent national data confirms that sexual harassment remains widespread across Australian workplaces, with construction identified as a highrisk industry requiring proactive prevention measures.

Construction Industry Implications

• Construction is recognised as a high-risk industry, alongside mining, media, hospitality and retail, due to systemic issues associated with male-dominated workforces, transient crews, and hierarchical site structures. Construction has been flagged for ongoing systemic investigations and elevated risk factors.

Actions for Construction PCBUs & Site Leaders

Immediate steps recommended for all construction and civil sites:

1. Strengthen Prevention

Integrate sexual harassment controls into WHS risk management, including SWMS, site rules and inductions.

Reinforce expected behaviours through toolbox talks and supervisor briefings.

2. Support Safe Reporting

Ensure multiple reporting pathways, including anonymous options where possible, align with WGEA guidance.

Communicate procedures clearly to all workers and subcontractors.

3. Leadership Accountability

Supervisors and PCBU reps must model expected behaviours and respond immediately to any concerns.

Monitor workplace culture indicators (turnover, complaints, informal reports).

4. Review Policies & Training

Confirm policies meet 2024–2026 Positive Duty requirements.

Provide practical, scenario-based training tailored to construction environments.

Key Message for the Workforce

Sexual harassment is a WHS risk, not just a behavioural issue. Creating safe, respectful construction sites requires proactive controls, strong leadership and accessible reporting pathways.

For questions about your work, health and safety obligations, contact the Workplace Relations Team:

📞 (02) 6175 5900
📧 workplace@mba.org.au