Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue are launching a pilot program aiming to eliminate disrespectful behaviour, like sexual harassment, bullying and racism, in the resources industry following reports of unacceptable sexual harassment in the mining industry.
The launch is the most recent step in the three companies’ combined response to combat sexual harassment since forming a partnership in October 2021.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Simon Trott, said the pilot launch is a key milestone in the company’s broader commitment to create a workplace culture that is safe, respectful and inclusive.
“Building awareness through education on how we can create safer work environments through the prevention and elimination of sexual harassment, bullying and racism is vital to ensuring those joining our industry feel safe.
“We’re proud to be collaborating with experts in this field, in partnership with industry leaders, and we look forward to the findings from the pilot and the opportunity to share with broader industry for the benefit of all Australians.”
The three companies have collaborated with leading experts to design and develop the industry-first program which aims to educate new entrants to the sector about the impact of sexual harassment, bullying and racism, including how to recognise and report these behaviours.
The Building Safe and Respectful Workplaces pilot program will be completed by 30 volunteers who are currently undertaking apprenticeships or traineeships with the three companies.
The pilot program, managed by the Australian Minerals and Energy Skills Alliance (AUSMESA), will be delivered on 15 and 16 November by experienced facilitators from Griffith University, with the results to be fully evaluated and feedback from the participants utilised to finalise the learning program.
BHP Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President, Brandon Craig, said programs like the pilot help to educate the next generation of workers, ensuring workplaces are safe, respectful and inclusive.
“While we know there is more to do, this pilot is part of our redoubled efforts to eliminate sexual harassment, and is in addition to a range of other measures including improved security at accommodation villages, additional public disclosures, specialised resources and company-wide training.
“We’re proud to be working with leading industry partners to deliver this important program as we work together to eliminate disrespectful behaviours from our industry.”
It is intended the program will be delivered from early next year with a particular focus on new entrants to the mining industry.
As part of an ongoing commitment to educate about respectful behaviour, the companies will engage across industry and education providers on how to broaden the reach of the program and it is anticipated the training course will be made available to other industries in the future through a range of education pathways.
Fortescue Chief Operating Officer Iron Ore, Dino Otranto, said safety is the company’s first priority, with a zero tolerance attitude to inappropriate behaviour.
“We remain firmly committed to ensuring that Fortescue has safe and inclusive workplaces, and that the mining industry as a whole is a safe and welcoming place for everyone who works within it.
“We’re pleased to be working with our industry peers towards the common goal of ensuring that sexual harassment, bullying and other inappropriate behaviours do not occur in the mining industry.”
