Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated,
where that reaction is reasonable in the circumstances. Sexual harassment can happen at a worker’s usual workplace or in
other places where they work, such as a client’s home. It can also happen during a workrelated activity such as a work
trip, conference or an event.Sexual harassment can take many forms and be overt, covert or subtle. It may include:unwelcome touching or physical contactsuggestive comments or jokessexually offensive pictures unwanted invitations to go on dates or requests for sexsexually explicit emails, text messages or online interactions, such as social media posts
Sexual harassment is unlawful. Everyone in your workplace needs to understand and meet your workplace policies and the
behaviours expected of them.
Everyone should have information and training on what sexual harassment is, what to do if they are sexually harassed or
if they witness someone else being harassed, and how to report it.
Further advice and support services Detailed guidance on how you prevent and respond to sexual harassment can be found
at www.swa.gov.au. If you need help, please contact your work health and safety regulator. Further information and
advice can be obtained from: • 1800Respect 1800 737 732 • Sexual assault support servicesSteps to prevent workplace sexual harassment
Persons conducting a business or undertaking, such as employers, have a work health and safety duty to eliminate or
minimise the risk of sexual harassment at the workplace, so far as is reasonably practicable. There are a number of
steps you can take to manage the risk of sexual harassment and meet your work health and safety duties. Here are some
ideas to help you start doing what you reasonably can to prevent sexual harassment at your workplace.Steps to take:Create a safe physical and online work environmentCreate a positive and respectful workplace cultureProvide information and training on preventing sexual harrasementTalk to your workers Implement workplace policiesAddress unwanted or offensive behaviour earlyEncourage workers to report any sexual harassment
Implement safe work systems and procedures Quickly respond to reports of sexual harassment You must talk to your workers
throughout each step of the risk management process.
You should provide support, informal, formal, anonymous and/or confidential reporting See the Guide: Preventing
workplace sexual harassment for further information.
Further advice and support services
Detailed guidance on how you prevent and respond to sexual harassment can be found at www.swa.gov.au. If you need help,
please contact your work health and safety regulator. Further information and advice can be obtained from:1800Respect 1800 737 732Sexual assault support services