WorkSafe Plans to File Charges Against the Justice Department Following Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Bullying at a Bunbury Prison

WorkSafe WA intends to file a case against the justice department that operates a local prison in Bunbury, alleging that officials failed to establish appropriate protocols for handling allegations of sexual harassment and bullying. This case highlights ongoing concerns about psychosocial hazards in high-risk workplaces such as correctional facilities.

The department in charge of the Bunbury prison has been accused of neglecting its duty to ensure safety for staff, a failure that WorkSafe claims resulted in significant injury to a female prison officer.

What WorkSafe Alleges Against the Justice Department

According to WorkSafe, the prison failed to implement management procedures to address inappropriate conduct such as bullying and being sexually harassed by colleagues. Investigators found no clear system existed for reporting or managing these incidents once raised.

Without robust management practices in place, hazards linked to psychosocial risk can go unaddressed for extended periods, exposing personnel to preventable harm. Effective risk management within correctional services relies on clear reporting channels, prompt investigation and consistent follow-through.

Court Hearing Details

The hearing is set to take place at the Bunbury Magistrates Court in November. WorkSafe's case against the justice department will examine whether adequate safety systems were in place at the time of the alleged incidents.

This matter follows a broader pattern of enforcement action across public sector services, including a similar WorkSafe Victoria case against a government department after an assault on a youth justice worker, and separate proceedings where WorkSafe filed charges against a construction firm following a worker's fall.

Why Psychosocial Safety Matters in Correctional Services

Prisons and other high-pressure environments carry unique hazards for personnel who manage confrontational or hostile situations daily. Building sound psychosocial safety management into everyday operations helps identify hazards before they escalate into serious harm.

Key elements of effective workplace management for this risk category include:

• Clear reporting pathways for bullying and harassment complaints
• Regular risk assessments covering psychosocial hazards specific to correctional services
• Prompt investigation procedures once a complaint is lodged
• Ongoing training for supervisors on recognising early warning signs
• Ongoing health monitoring for staff exposed to high-stress conditions

Organisations seeking further information on managing this risk category can review Workplace Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Prevention Plan templates, or refer to a dedicated Sexual Harassment Policy to strengthen existing management frameworks.

Broader Industry Context

Sexual harassment cases are not confined to correctional services. Similar concerns prompted SafeWork SA's campaign against sexual harassment in the mining industry, demonstrating that this issue spans multiple sectors reliant on shift-based, high-pressure roles.

Employers across construction, manufacturing and public services should treat this Bunbury case as a reminder that psychosocial hazards deserve the same rigour as physical ones. Comprehensive hazard management, much like frameworks used for asbestos management plans, requires documented procedures, regular review and demonstrable commitment from leadership.

First published on the ABC News website.