AREEA is pleased to announce this significant resource has been updated for Q2 2024:

Part 1 – Foundation

• Some restructuring of the Legal Background section for readability and shortening of the Model WHS Legislation subsection.
• Update of Table 2: Examples of WHS legislation (Qld: Note recent changes as per Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, also see WorkSafe Qld website and Stakeholder Communications Kit for notable changes. Also note NT and Vic).

Part 2 – Prevention

• Additional section on the Respect@Work Framework (similar to Part 1).
• Update of Table 1: Examples of Codes of Practice regarding consultation (i.e., Vic).
• Addition to the subsection on Optimising Work Design – reference to the new SafeWork NSW Guide: Designing work to manage psychosocial risks.

Part 3 – Response

• Update of Table 1: Links that provide starting points for investigating state/territory reporting and notification requirements.

Other developments

Harassment and Psychosocial Hazard Reporting Portals

Most regulators now have online reporting portals or forms for sexual harassment complaints and psychosocial hazard reports.

Below: Examples of reporting portal. For illustration only, may not be complete or already superseded – always check legislation for currency and/or obtain tailored advice.

Focus on Work Design

Dedicated Codes of Practice dealing with inappropriate workplace behaviours and the management of psychosocial hazards are now the norm.

Several jurisdictions are focusing on good work design in this context.

During the Centre for Transformative Work Design Conference in Perth, SafeWork NSW released its new guide: Designing work to manage psychosocial risks.

Outlook

The focus continues on ensuring appropriate workplace behaviours, managing psychosocial hazards and applying good work design while adhering to best practice for consultation, cooperation and coordination.

Harmonisation of the WHS laws is progressing. More jurisdictions are expected to follow the example of the WHS Model Laws and deal more purposefully with these matters in the workplace.

The updated series is now available to assist your workplace. For further help or information, contact [email protected]

Additional Resources:
– Taskforce Report on Workplace Sexual Harassment
– National Workplace Sexual Harassment Campaign