Most organisations are not yet controlling gender issues, sex discrimination, harassment or support for diversity in systematic ways, according to an expert, who said these hazards are rarely ever noted in a risk register or an internal policy.
“Sex discrimination has been largely dealt with reactively, defensively and awkwardly – frequently resulting in workplace culture that tolerates adverse behaviours. Sex discrimination is a workplace psychosocial hazard and contributes to a huge toll on individuals, families, workgroups, the health system and the economy,” said workplace psychosocial risk management specialist, Fiona McCarthy.
Sex discrimination covers a whole spectrum of hazardous behaviours and situations, from mild to severe forms, with the potential for criminal behaviour, according to McCarthy, who was speaking ahead of the AIHS Tasmanian Safety Symposium, which will be held on Thursday 17 October in Hobart.
“Understanding and recognising the content is new for many, and benefits from some explanation and some learning and development. So, the first and most important challenge is a shared language and understanding of the hazards and the mechanisms for harm to occur. This understanding and confidence are essential for the work ahead,” she said.
Another challenging issue concerns boundaries: personal, private, social media, devices, work/social events and the impact of customers and clients on the work environment.
“The requirement for primary prevention is also challenging for organisations that are more used to trouble-shooting and reacting than heading sex discrimination off at the pass. Heading it off is the intention – shaping your work environment and your people to stop it happening is what is required,” said McCarthy, who is the founder of Workplace Psychosocial Solutions.
There are a number of important implications in this for OHS professionals, who McCarthy said have an important role in integrating sex discrimination and other psychosocial hazards into OHS systems, working systematically with other team members with expertise in people functions and leadership.
“My advice for OHS professionals is to get everyone working in the risk management cycle – engaging leadership commitment and employee perspectives while following the four stages for identification, assessment, control and review,” said McCarthy.
“Action plans and risk registers, metrics and data will demonstrate how the work is being done and its effectiveness. OHS professionals are experts in risk management and primary prevention. We put measures in place to prevent harm, so our contribution is vital.”
McCarthy will be speaking at the AIHS Tasmanian Safety Symposium on Thursday 17 October at The Tasmanian Hockey Centre in Hobart. McCarthy will be offering insights into how workplaces can apply OHS risk management strategies to sex discrimination and other gendered harm. For more information, email events@aihs.org.au, call (03) 8336 1995 or visit the event website.