New programs launched to promote workplace safety in WA resources sector

New Programs Launched to Promote Workplace Safety in WA Resources Sector

Western Australia's Government has launched two programs designed to boost workplace safety and drive cultural change across the state's resources sector. The initiatives target harassment, bullying and women's safety concerns that have long affected mining operations and related industries throughout the state.

SPEAK UP, REPORT IT Campaign

The 'SPEAK UP, REPORT IT' campaign reminds everyone that harassment and bullying has no place within the resources sector. This safety program encourages workers across mining sites and support services to report incidents without fear of reprisal.

Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said, "The SPEAK UP, REPORT IT campaign highlights the Cook Government's ongoing commitment to promote workplace cultures that support inclusivity, respect and safety." His statement reflects broader government efforts to strengthen management practices across resource-based employers statewide.

Effective incident reporting relies on clear workplace safety rules that outline expectations for staff at every level of management. Without documented procedures, hazards related to harassment often go unreported, leaving both workers and organisations exposed to ongoing risk.

Respect in Mining Program

Western Australia's State Government has also launched the 'Respect in Mining Program' to raise awareness about women's safety within the resources sector. This initiative complements the SPEAK UP campaign by addressing specific hazards faced by women working in remote mining locations.

Both programs form part of a wider push by government agencies to improve safety outcomes across Australia's resources sector, recognising that cultural change requires sustained support from leadership down through daily operations management.

Why Cultural Change Matters for Resources Sector Safety

Bullying, harassment and unsafe conditions contribute directly to poor mental wellbeing and workplace injury, so tackling these hazards protects both physical health and psychological health outcomes for employees. Resources companies that fail to address these issues often experience higher turnover and reduced productivity across their workforce.

Strong safety programs depend on visible management commitment, transparent reporting channels and ongoing support for affected workers. Organisations can strengthen their own frameworks by reviewing established safety documentation, including general workplace safety statements that outline safe work procedures for various operational contexts.

Building on Recent Safety Reforms

These new WA programs follow a pattern seen elsewhere in Australia, where governments continue strengthening protections for workers. For example, new laws to boost workplace safety in Victoria demonstrate how state governments are responding to persistent safety hazards through legislative and cultural interventions.

Similarly, WA's approach to inspection and enforcement has evolved, as seen with the addition of 40 new inspectors for workplace safety, reinforcing government commitment to on-ground compliance alongside cultural campaigns like SPEAK UP.

Aboriginal communities within regional and remote mining areas stand to benefit significantly from these programs, given the heightened exposure many Aboriginal workers face to unsafe conditions and workplace discrimination in resource-based roles.

Supporting Safer Workplace Management Practices

Organisations operating in the resources sector should review their own management systems to ensure alignment with government expectations around respect and safety. Robust management systems provide the structural support needed to embed cultural change beyond a single event or campaign announcement.

Key management actions resources employers should consider include:

• Reviewing existing safe work procedures and updating management documentation to reflect current expectations
• Providing accessible reporting channels supported by clear management response protocols
• Ensuring leadership visibly supports cultural change rather than treating it as a one-off event
• Auditing workplace hazards related to bullying, harassment and gender-based safety concerns

Companies seeking further guidance on strengthening internal management frameworks may also benefit from attending sector-specific events, such as the Workplace Health and Safety Show, where safety professionals share practical approaches to cultural and procedural improvement.

More Information

Further information on both programs, including how businesses and individuals can get involved, can be found here on the WA Government's official website. Employers are encouraged to review this information alongside their existing management systems to identify practical steps toward safer, more respectful workplaces across the resources sector.