How to prevent workplace sexual assault
The information provided on this webpage is for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) who have notified WorkSafe ACT of a sexual assault incident and gives advice about what they can do next in their workplace from a work health and safety perspective.
The below information does not cover what happens in any investigation by the Police into a sexual assault incident.
All reported sexual assault incidents should also be reported to ACT Policing on 131 444, or 000 if it is an emergency.
1. AFTER NOTIFICATION: Assess your workplace risks and controls
An actual or suspected sexual assault is a significant workplace incident. A reported sexual assault incident should be viewed as a trigger to review your workplace risk register, risk assessment and control measures.
- Were all the hazards identified?
- Was the risk well characterised?
- Was the consequence, likelihood and outcome correctly described?
- Were there controls in place that failed?
2. MANAGE THE RISKS: Use the hierarchy of controls
Where reasonably practicable you should eliminate the risks of sexual assault. Where this is not possible, use the hierarchy of controls.
- Elimination: Can the risk of sexual assault be eliminated by stopping in-person interaction?
- Substitution: Can in-person interaction be replaced by other options?
- Engineering: Can workers be protected through engineered solutions such as barriers?
- Administrative: Is there a process that can be implemented to better protect workers and others at the workplace?
- Personal Protective Equipment: Can equipment be used such as personal duress alarms?
3. CONSULTATION: Use best practice methods
A key requirement for PCBUs when undertaking a risk assessment is adequate and genuine consultation. There is more information about how to do this in the Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice.
4. PROVIDING SUPPORT: Understand, inform and offer
It is important to remember that people may respond to and process incidents differently. Providing adequate support options for your workers to seek assistance can help reduce further adverse impacts and promote recovery.
Support
If you, your workers or anyone who is exposed to a sexual assault incident needs immediate support, the following services may help:
- Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) provide crisis support, counselling and support programs for men and women. 7am-10.30pm. Phone: (02) 6247 2525
- Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) provides crisis intervention and counselling, family violence program, education and information for the community. Phone (02) 6280 0900
- Access Mental Health provides free 24/7 service for assessment and treatment of mentally ill people in crisis situations. Phone 1800 629 354 or 6205 1065
- Lifeline has a 24/7 counselling service providing emotional support in times of crisis. Phone 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue has a 24/7 service providing emotional support in times need. Phone 1300 224 636
- Mental Health Line can connect you with a mental health professional. Phone 1800 011 511
- Headspace is a national youth mental health foundation that helps young people between 12-25 who are going through a tough time. Phone (02) 9114 4100
- Visit: Find a health service, seek health advice or information
Resources
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