Burnout, sexual harassment persist in WA's mining sector

Burnout and sexual harassment instances remain rampant in Western Australia's mining sector as the government ensures that their elimination remains a priority.

The Insights from the Worker Survey and Interviews report, the fourth one in the landmark study into mental health and workplace culture across WA's mining sector, was released this week. It surveyed 2,550 WA mining workers and interviewed 60 to understand their experiences while at work.

It found that 38% of mining workers suffer from high levels of burnout, while 30% report "high" or "very high" levels of psychological distress.

"Women tended to report poorer mental health and well-being in general, however men reported higher levels of psychological distress," the report read.

Younger workers were also more likely to report poorer mental health, while frontline workers were less likely than managers and professional workers to experience job satisfaction.

Cases of bullying, harassment

Meanwhile, the report also found that levels of bullying and sexual harassment in the WA mining sector remain high.

In the past six months, 16% of WA mining workers said they experienced bullying, while 22% said they witnessed bullying at least two to three times a month.

In cases of harassment, the report's interviewees disclosed that misogyny and sexism exist in their workplaces but are often "covert in nature."

Five to 41% of female mining workers said they experienced behaviour of sexist and sexual hostility, sometimes, often, or very often in the past 12 months. It was also the case for three to 11% of men.

The most common behaviour observed for female mining workers are:

• Being put down or condescended to (41%)
• Offensive sexist remarks (34%)

For men, the most common behaviour that they reported is receiving crude and offensive sexual remarks (11%).

In terms of unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion, both women (3-19%) and men (1-8%) said they experienced it sometimes, often, or very often in the past 12 months.

The most common behaviour reported by both genders is being touched in a way that made them feel uncomfortable.

Behaviour in mining a priority for government

Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk acknowledged that bullying, harassment, and sexism have been "all too present" in the mining sector.

"Eliminating these sorts of inappropriate behaviours from our workplaces remains a priority for the Cook Government," McGurk said in a statement.

Interviewees in the report recognise that more attention has been brought improving bullying and sexual harassment in their workplace.

"While industry has made progress on changing workplace culture, changing entrenched attitudes will take time and the Cook Government acknowledges there is more work to be done," McGurk said.

The report, carried out by the Curtin University's Centre for Transformative Work Design, is the fourth of its kind that delves into mental health and workplace culture across WA's mining sector. It is part of the government's Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety Programme that was launched in December 2021.

"I welcome the release of the latest landmark study report - it's vital that we continue to learn about worker experiences, attitudes and behaviours on WA mine sites if we are to make them safer, and encourage more women into the industry," McGurk said.