Workforce safety insights revealed in latest mine worker study

• Fourth mine safety study released by Curtin University's Centre for Transformative Work Design
• Research focuses on mine worker experiences, attitudes, and behaviours
• Critical in further informing the Cook Labor Government's response to sexual harassment and assault in State's mining sector

A fourth report in the landmark study into mental health and workplace culture across Western Australia's mining sector has been released.

The Insights from the Worker Survey and Interviewsreport surveyed 2,550 WA mine workers to understand their perceptions of mental health awareness, respect and safety. Sixty further workers were interviewed one-on-one.

A key strength of the industry was identified through the survey, being that most WA mining workers reported high levels of physical safety behaviours such as safety compliance and safety participation.

Although the mining industry has taken necessary steps to understand and improve mental health and workplace culture, the survey found that issues such as burnout and sexual harassment persist.

Reports of sexual coercion and unwanted sexual attention are declining, however, covert forms of sexual harassment like sexism and misogyny remain. Bullying is showing signs of improvement but continues to disproportionately impact women compared to men.

Overall, women and younger workers generally tended to report poorer mental health and well-being.  However, supports such as mental health awareness training and informal check-ins were cited as being helpful for protecting workers' mental health and wellbeing.

There were also positive trends identified in relation to rosters for FIFO workers, with more workers being employed in even-time rosters and permanent accommodation compared to five years ago.

Curtin University's Centre for Transformative Work Design is undertaking the four-year landmark study to gather and evaluate data on sexual assault, harassment, mental health, drug and alcohol use, and emerging mine safety issues.

The landmark study forms part of the Cook Government's Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety Program, which was launched in December 2021.

Curtin's first three preliminary reports mapped current industry practices, completed a literature review and conducted a workplace policy and practice survey. Curtin will present its final research report in 2026.

The current report is available at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/mars-landmark-study-report-insights-the-worker-survey-and-interviews

Earlier reports are available at https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-energy-mines-industry-regulation-and-safety/mars-program-understanding-the-situation

Comments attributed to Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk:

"Let's be clear - everyone has the right to be safe at work.  For too long, bullying, harassment and sexism have been all too present in our workplaces. Eliminating these sorts of inappropriate behaviours from our workplaces remains a priority for the Cook Government.

"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.

"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.

"The report's findings will help industry, government and the community develop future initiatives to drive cultural change in WA's mining industry."

Comments attributed to Women's Interests Minister Sue Ellery:

"The Cook Government remains committed to ensuring all workers - including women in the resources sector - are safe and protected.

"While mining is a male-dominated industry, we know the sector needs the skills women can provide and we know women want rewarding jobs.

"If we treat women in the mining sector with the respect they deserve, we will create a more diverse industry with greater safety and economic outcomes."