Sexual assault and sexual harassment information for the resources industry

Sexual assault or sexual harassment in any form is unacceptable and must not be tolerated anywhere, including in our workplaces. Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) works with industry to manage the risks of psychosocial hazards, including sexual assault, as part of our responsibilities to worker safety and health.

Making a complaint to RSHQ

If you are in immediate danger or your health and wellbeing is being threatened, contact the police on triple zero (phone 000).

If you have been affected by or witnessed sexual assault or sexual harassment at a Queensland mine, quarry, or petroleum or gas operation, you can contact RSHQ to make a complaint.

RSHQ has a dedicated phone number for complaints of this nature and complaints can be made anonymously.

To make a complaint:

Industry notifications to RSHQ

To notify RSHQ of a sexual assault or sexual harassment incident(s) or to ask if RSHQ should be notified of a particular incident, contact 1300 581 077 or email complaints@rshq.qld.gov.au.

Defining sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is a psychosocial hazard that includes any unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in circumstances where a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would anticipate the possibility that the person harassed would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.

Behaviours that may indicate sexual harassment are not always obvious, repeated or continuous and may include:

  • unwelcome touching or physical contact, including hugging, cornering and kissing
  • suggestive comments or jokes, insults or taunts
  • unwanted invitations to go on dates or requests for sex in person and/or online
  • sending or displaying sexually offensive pictures or posters
  • sending sexually explicit emails, text messages or online interactions such as social media posts.

Sexual harassment can occur in any work location or accommodation, at work-related events, or by phone, email or online.

Read more about sexual harassment from the Queensland Human Rights Commission.

Advice and support for workers

Contact these support services about sexual assault or harassment in the workplace:

The following organisations provide advice and assistance:

Managing the risk of workplace sexual harassment

Queensland's resources safety and health legislation requires obligation holders to manage the risk of workers suffering an injury or illness, including physical and psychological health harms from sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is also against the law and is prohibited under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), and employers may be held legally responsible for sexual harassment in the workplace by their employees unless reasonable steps are taken to prevent it from happening.

The following guidance material and information is available to help manage the risks sexual harassment in the workplace:

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