PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Majors Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue have launced a pilot programme aimed at eliminating disrespectful behaviour in the resources industry including sexual harassment, bullying and racism.

The three companies in October last year formed a partnership as part of their combined response to reports of unacceptable sexual harassment in the mining industry, and have worked together with leading experts to design and develop the industry-first programme aimed at educating new entrants to the sector.

The evidence-based programme will educate participants about the impact of sexual harassment, bullying and racism, including how to recognise and report these behaviours.

The Building Safe and Respectful Workplaces pilot programme, project managed by the Australian Minerals and Energy Skills Alliance (AUSMESA), will be delivered on November 15 and 16 by experienced facilitators from Griffith University.

The pilot programme will be completed by 30 volunteers who are currently undertaking apprenticeships or traineeships with the three companies, and the results of the pilot will be fully evaluated and feedback from the participants will be used to finalise the learning programme.

It is intended the programme will be delivered from early next year with a particular focus on new entrants to the mining industry.

As part of an ongoing commitment to educate about respectful behaviour, the companies will engage across industry and education providers on how to broaden the reach of the programme.

It is anticipated the training course will be made available to other industries in the future through a range of education pathways.

“The launch of this pilot is a key milestone in our broader commitment to create a workplace culture that is safe, respectful and inclusive,” Rio Tinto iron-ore CEO Simon Trott said.

“Building awareness through education on how we can create safer work environments through the prevention and elimination of sexual harassment, bullying and racism is vital to ensuring those joining our industry feel safe.

“We’re proud to be collaborating with experts in this field, in partnership with industry leaders, and we look forward to the findings from the pilot and the opportunity to share with broader industry for the benefit of all Australians.”

BHP Western Australian iron-ore asset president Brandon Craig said programmes such as this help educate the next generation of workers to ensure workplaces are safe, respectful and inclusive.

“While we know there is more to do, this pilot is part of our redoubled efforts to eliminate sexual harassment, and is in addition to a range of other measures including improved security at accommodation villages, additional public disclosures, specialised resources and company-wide training.

“We’re proud to be working with leading industry partners to deliver this important programme as we work together to eliminate disrespectful behaviours from our industry,” he added.

Fortescue COO for iron-ore Dino Otranto said safety was the first priority at the company, and that Fortescue had zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour.

“We remain firmly committed to ensuring that Fortescue has safe and inclusive workplaces, and that the mining industry as a whole is a safe and welcoming place for everyone who works within it.

“We’re pleased to be working with our industry peers towards the common goal of ensuring that sexual harassment, bullying and other inappropriate behaviours do not occur in the mining industry.”