Gendered violence is an OHS issue.

admin • November 27, 2024

Work-related gendered violence is any behaviour, directed at any person, or that affects a person, because of their sex, gender or sexual orientation, or because they do not adhere to socially prescribed gender roles, that creates a risk to health and safety.

But what does it actually look like?

Work-related gendered violence can range in severity. It might include things like:

· Indecent phone calls

· Offensive language or images

· Sexually explicit social media, text messages or emails

· Repeated or inappropriate advances

· Rude gestures, staring or intimidation

· Put downs, ostracism or exclusion

· Sexually suggestive comments or jokes

· Unwelcome touching, hugging or cornering

· Intrusive questions

· Physical assault including sexual assault and rape

· Sexual harassment

· Verbal abuse

· Stalking

· Being undermined in your work or position

Work-related violence and sexual harassment can cause physical and/or mental injury – this is an Occupational Health and Safety Issue. Like all OHS issues, we need to prevent them by:

1. Identifying the hazards and assessing the risks

2. Implementing measures to eliminate or control the risks

3. Review the effectiveness of control measures

For more information on work-related gendered violence and how to control this hazard, take a look at the guidance material at: Gendered violence | WorkSafe Victoria.

If you require additional assistance or information on accessing information please contact BeSafe.

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Is workplace safety a social justice issue?

By admin • February 11, 2025

Is Work Safety a Social Justice Issue? The 20 th February has been named The World Day for Social Justice. But is Work Safety a Social Justice Issue? When certain groups face disproportionate risks due to factors like systemic inequalities, unsafe working conditions become a social justice concern. For example, certain demographics (such as racial minorities or low-income workers) often experience higher rates of workplace injuries and illnesses due to systemic disadvantages. Poor work safety practices can lead to significant health disparities, further emphasizing the social justice aspect. Unequal power dynamics between employers and employees can prevent workers from raising concerns about safety issues, perpetuating unsafe conditions. The right to a safe workplace is a fundamental human right – but not all workers are treated equitably in the protection of their health and wellbeing. To read more about the World Day For Social Justice, visit World Day of Social Justice | United Nations

Heatwaves as a work hazard.

By admin • February 4, 2025

When there is a heatwave, it can introduce temperatures which are a new hazard not normally experienced in a workplace. As always, the employer must eliminate or minimise risks as far as reasonably practicable. That means that when conditions change, it’s time to do a risk assessment and put new controls in place. There is no single ‘stop work’ temperature. Various factors need to be taken into account which include humidity, air flow and the type of work being performed. Heatwave conditions create a work-related risk in the form of heat stress and fatigue. But there are various ways to control the risk. Things to consider may include: working in the cooler part of the day moving work to a different location limiting tasks which require higher physical effort during the hotter period changing work expectations and allowing workers to self-pace their work ensuring access to cool water - and rehydration electrolytes if required providing shade air conditioning or fans if possible ensuring workers are not working in isolation ensuring supervision is in place taking into account more vulnerable workers - for example those who may be young, pregnant, suffer an illness, etc training workers to ensure they understand the risk and how to recognise symptoms ensure first aid and medical assistance is available Remember that the risk posed by heat is not just limited to outdoor workers. Indoor workers can be exposed to unsafe working conditions too - including high temperatures, thermal radiation and humidity. As with all hazards - when considering what control to put in place, the usual hierarchy of control should be used – with elimination being considered first. If this can’t be done, then consider substitution, followed by isolation/ engineering controls, then administrative controls and finally PPE as the last option. As always, the effectiveness of the controls should be monitored and reviewed. Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)s can be proactive in this area by consulting with the employer and attempting to resolve the risk. If there is an immediate risk to health and safety, then they can direct a cease work. HSRs play an important role in ensuring a safe workplace – and this includes during heatwave conditions.