As the busy Christmas trading period approaches, the Australian Human Rights Commission and Safe Work Australia are urging business leaders to take proactive steps to protect their workers from sexual harassment and workplace violence.
'The holiday season brings increased customer traffic, and sadly this can also bring a rise in abusive, aggressive or harassing behaviour towards workers. These behaviours can cause lasting harm. No one should ever be expected to endure abuse as part of their job and WHS laws require you to do as much as you reasonably can to eliminate or minimise this risk.'
'Good leadership is essential to protect retail workers, especially during busy, high-pressure periods. The positive duty in the Sex Discrimination Act requires business leaders to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment and sexist behaviour in their workplaces, including from customers. Prevention is better than responding after the damage is done. This is what the positive duty is about. A safe and respectful workplace isn’t seasonal. It’s a legal responsibility that must be upheld year-round.'
While there’s no excuse for harmful behaviour by customers, there is a lot that businesses can do to prevent it or minimise its impact if it happens. Your commitment to safety and respect sets the tone for your entire workplace.
- Lead from the top: when leaders visibly champion respectful workplaces, it sends a clear message that sexual harassment and violence will not be tolerated.
- Live your values: workplace policies must be more than words on paper. Make it clear that harassment and violence is unacceptable and take action to prevent it.
- Talk to your workers: their experience is key to finding where there is a risk and how it can be controlled.
- Know what support you can offer: listen to your workers, make changes needed to keep them safe and make sure they have access to the help and support they need. This includes ensuring there are enough staff to cover busy periods.
- Empower your people: create a culture where workers feel safe to speak up, reporting pathways are clear and concerns are addressed promptly and respectfully.
- Meet your work health and safety obligations: Under WHS laws, you must eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety as much as you reasonably can. This includes identifying hazards like sexual harassment and aggression, consulting with workers and putting effective controls in place.
By taking proactive steps, you are not only meeting your legal obligations but also building a safer, stronger and more productive workplace.
Together, we can ensure every worker feels safe and supported this festive season. Find out more on the Safe Work Australia and the Australian Human Rights Commission websites.
