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A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has a duty to manage Work Health and Safety (WHS) risks in the workplace, and to ensure the safety of workers.
Each industry has specific WHS risks relative to the type of work that is performed. It is important for both workers and employers to understand what these industry-specific risks are. Some risks are exacerbated when working in regional or remote areas due to the isolated geographical location and lack of resources in such areas.
Off the back of the Working Women’s Centre SA’s (WWCSA) recent regional outreach trip to Mount Gambier, this factsheet will provide information on the top industries in Mount Gambier and will provide resources to assist understanding of the WHS issues associated with these industries and how those issues can be managed.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics,[1] the highest density employment industries in the Mount Gambier region of South Australia are:
Common WHS hazards and risks associated with the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry include:
For more information on this industry’s hazards and risks and how to manage them, please see WorkSafe (QLD)’s resource here: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/workplace-hazards/agriculture/health-and-safety-tips-for-the-agriculture,-forestry-and-fishing-industry.
Common WHS hazards and risks associated with the construction industry include:
For more information on this industry’s hazards and risks and how to manage them, please see WorkSafe (QLD)’s resource here: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/workplace-hazards/construction.
Common WHS hazards and risks associated with the rental, hiring and real estate services industry include:
For more information on this industry’s hazards and risks and how to manage them, please see WorkSafe (QLD)’s resource here: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/your-industry/rental,-hiring-and-real-estate-services.
Common WHS hazards and risks associated with the retail trade industry include:
For more information on this industry’s hazards and risks and how to manage them, please see Safe Work Australia’s resource here: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/industry-and-business/retail-services/managing-risks.
Common WHS hazards and risks associated with the health care and social assistance industry include:
For more information on this industry’s hazards and risks and how to manage them, please see Safe Work Australia’s resource here: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/industry-and-business/health-care-and-social-assistance/managing-risks.
Isolation and mental stress
Some particular risks we see amongst WWCSA clients working regionally, particularly in the agriculture, forestry and construction industries, are isolation and mental stress. Regional workers in these industries may be further geographically isolated by being placed in remote work sites, farms, cattle stations, etc. Workers may also be in these locations for days or weeks at a time.[2]
Being physically isolated for prolonged periods can lead to feelings of alienation, particularly when workers do not feel properly supported, which in turn can lead to burnout, fatigue and psychiatric injuries like depression and anxiety.
To manage these, it is important that workers have a clean and safe environment that are in good repair (e.g. working toilets, up to date first aid kits and fire extinguishers, lockers with functional locks, clean kitchens, etc.).[3] It is also important that there is a clear emergency plan for workers to follow in case of an emergency, particularly if there is no one else around to assist immediately.
To further manage isolation and stress, it is vital to establish and maintain regular communication channels so workers feel supported and connected to the rest of the workplace. This can include regular check-ins and meetings with supervisors and managers and access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
Bullying and sexual harassment
Remote and isolated work can increase the likelihood of workers being exposed to hazards like sexual harassment.[4] This is because workers may be placed away from their usual place of work, their homes and support systems, which makes them vulnerable to aggression, bullying and sexual harassment.
Furthermore, sexual harassment is more prevalent in certain industries. The following statistics were released in the Time for Respect: Fifth national survey on sexual harassment in Australian Workplaces,[5] and show the extent to which sexual harassment is taking a toll in certain industries:
Women disproportionately experience sexual harassment in:
Retail Trade is one of the top five industries nationwide where incidences of sexual harassment are above the national average (national average is 33%, whilst retail trade is 40%).
The proportion of people harassed at their workstation (as opposed to break rooms, etc) was much higher in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry (45%).
The WWCSA are experts in gender-based violence and workplace sexual harassment, and we have lots of free resources on our website for both workers and employers. This includes:
For workers
If you’re experiencing workplace problems, contact the Working Women’s Centre on 08 8410 6499 to speak with one of our lawyers to get free legal advice about your workplace rights and potential legal remedies.
For employers
The Working Women’s Centre provides tailored training programs and consultation services for businesses on a range of topics including sexual harassment, bullying and building a positive team culture. Contact us on 08 8410 6499 to speak with one of our educators.
We also have free resources for small businesses on our website here: https://wwcsa.org.au/resources/?section=for-employers.
[1] https://dbr.abs.gov.au/region.html?lyr=sa3&rgn=40503
[2] https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/remote-and-isolated-work/overview.
[3] https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/remote-and-isolated-work/managing-risks.
[4] https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/remote-and-isolated-work/managing-risks
[5] https://humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/document/publication/2022.11.25_time_for_respect_2022_final_digital.pdf
