A fourth report from Curtin University’s Insights from the Worker Survey has shown that most employees reported high levels of physical safety behaviours, but that more could be done for mental health awareness.
The report also found that the industry has been taking the necessary steps to understand and improve mental health and workplace culture. However, there is still room for improvement.
“Our industry is under no illusion that there’s still more to do,” AMEC (Association of Mining and Exploration Companies) chief executive officer Warren Pearce said. “As an industry, we are continuing to make changes for the better.
“Physical safety has been a core focus of the mining industry over many decades, but there is also a much stronger awareness and focus on mental health and well-being now.”
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) has welcomed the Western Australian Government’s investment in the study.
“This report builds on the findings of the 2022 Parliamentary Inquiry report and is a significant investment in the future of the industry, the future of women in resources and the future of encouraging diversity in the workplace,” CME chief executive officer Rebecca Tomkinson said. “It shines a light on what is working and what clearly needs changing.”
CME and its member companies worked with the program and the inquiry to explore mental health, sexual harassment and workplace safety issues.
“Our member companies advocate a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and assault and have responded with initiatives to address both immediate concerns and longer-term changes to attitudes and workplace culture,” Tomkinson said.
“The industry is taking a unified approach to encouraging a safe and respectful workplace but it’s also realistic about timeframes – changing attitudes is not an overnight process.”
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