Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment in any form is unacceptable and must not be tolerated anywhere, including in our workplaces. As part of Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s (RSHQ) commitment to worker safety and health, we work with Queensland’s resources industry to support the effective risk management of psychosocial hazards, including sexual harassment.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is a psychosocial hazard that includes any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favours, or other conduct of a sexual nature. It occurs in circumstances where a reasonable person, considering all the circumstances, would expect the behaviour to offend, humiliate or intimidate the person being harassed.
Examples of behaviours that may indicate sexual harassment include:
- unwelcome touching or physical contact, such as hugging, cornering or kissing
- suggestive comments, inappropriate jokes, insults or taunts
- unwanted invitations to go on dates or requests for sexual activity, in person or online
- sending or displaying sexually offensive pictures, posters or materials
- sending sexually explicit emails, text messages or social media posts.
Sexual harassment can occur in any work location or accommodation, at work-related events, or by phone, email or online communication.
More information
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Worker notifications
If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
If you have been affected by or witnessed an incident of sexual harassment at a Queensland mine, quarry, or petroleum or gas operation, you can report it to RSHQ's dedicated psychosocial team by calling 1300 581 077 or emailing the Psychosocial hazard report form (PDF, 295KB) (PDF, 295KB) to psychosocial@rshq.qld.gov.au.
Reports can be made anonymously.
For more information on worker notifications and reporting options, visit the Reporting psychosocial incidents page.
You can also access a comprehensive list of resources and services by visiting the Guidance material and support services page.
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Industry notifications
All industry obligation holders are required to notify RSHQ of incidents arising from suspected psychosocial hazards, including sexual harassment, in accordance with statutory reporting requirements.
For more information on industry notifications and reporting options, visit the Reporting psychosocial incidents page.
Guide to managing the risks of workplace sexual harassment
Queensland's resources safety and health legislation requires obligation holders to manage the risk of workers suffering an injury or illness, including physical and psychological health harms from sexual harassment.
The Guide for managing the risks of workplace sexual harassment in the Queensland resources industry (PDF, 8MB) provides practical guidance to support obligation holders to effectively manage the risks of sexual harassment utilising a risk management approach.
NOTE: This guide discusses topics that may be distressing. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need support, please refer to the Queensland Regulator Map - Workplace sexual harassment and sexual assault (PDF, 313KB) which has a range of support services and Government agencies that can provide assistance.
Additional guidance material and information
- Safe Work Australia, Model Code of Practice: Sexual and gender-based harassment
- Australian Human Rights Commission, Guidelines for Complying with the Positive Duty under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)
- Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program, Government of Western Australia, Respect in Mining
- Read more about managing psychosocial hazards in Queensland's resources industries.
Reporting psychosocial incidents
If you encounter a psychosocial incident or issue, you can report it directly to RSHQ’s psychosocial team on 1300 581 077 or email psychosocial@rshq.qld.gov.au.
If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
For obligation holders, psychosocial incidents must be reported directly to RSHQ’s psychosocial team. Please do not report psychosocial incidents via the RSHQ Portal.
Last updated: 23 Apr 2026