In this conversation, we discuss the complexities of HR, particularly in the context of workplace safety and the challenges faced by employees when navigating HR systems. We explore the emotional toll of workplace issues, the importance of documentation, and the need for effective reporting mechanisms. Erica shares her personal experiences and insights on how to empower oneself in a broken system, emphasising the importance of support networks and the role of psychosocial safety in the workplace.

Takeaways

• Documentation is crucial in HR investigations.
• Support networks are vital for navigating workplace challenges.
• Psychosocial safety is an emerging focus in HR.
• Reporting mechanisms are often ineffective and intimidating - think around reporting lines.
• Education and awareness are key to empowering employees.

• It's important to weigh the potential outcomes before reporting.
• Doing the right thing is often the hardest choice.

Erica's Advice

• Documentation is the key to moving the needle in HR investigations - yes it helps - write it down.
• Structure: Date, time, location, facts, how the situation made you feel, who else was around.
• When situation you're reporting is the 'last straw', do the word vomit, then the next day dilute the emotion and focus on the structure.

• Seek advice from your support networks and throughout the business - don't rely on your direct reporting line.
• Safety departments are across Psychosocial Safety, and can be a great resource.
• Psychosocial Safety is still 'new', don't be passive, seek out knowledge of how/who it's being handled by on your site.

Fair Work Ombudsman

• 13 13 94
• Anynomous Online Form:

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/call-us

Department of Mines:

• QLD - Resources Safety & Health Queensland 

• 1300 581 077 

• psychosocial@rshq.qld.gov.au.

• WA - Work Safe

• 1300 307 877 

• ⁠wscallcentre@demirs.wa.gov.au⁠

• NSW - Resources Regulator

• 1300 814 609

• ⁠cau@regional.nsw.gov.au⁠

• SA - Safe Work SA 

• 1300 365 255 

• Fill out Workplace Concern Form online - https://forms.sa.gov.au/#/form/64bf315d1315d7fbdc4be2fa/app/684696e79717af890c29f7a0

• VIC - WorkSafe Victoria

• 1800 136 089

• NT - WorkSafe

• 1800 019 115

• ntworksafe@nt.gov.au

Free Legal Advice:

• WA 

• Legal Aid WA

• Circle Green Community Legal

• QLD 

• Legal Aid Queensland

• Community Legal Centres Queensland

• SA 

• Legal Services Commission for South Australia

• NSW 

• LawAccess NSW 

• VIC

• Victoria Legal Aid

• Victorian Mining Warden

• NT

• Legal Aid NT
  

Whistleblowers: Mining employees can typically find their company's whistleblower hotline through several avenues: their company's website or internal communications, or by contacting their HR department or designated ethics officer. If a specific company's hotline information is not readily available, a search on their website, industry resources, or even through ASIC's reporting form might lead to the correct contact information. 

EAP (Employee Assistance Program):Employees often receive information about the EAP during onboarding or through their company's intranet. Alternatively, they can contact HR directly or find EAP details on internal portals. 

Additional support and advice is out there, if you need help finding it, please reach out to your professional and personal support networks. Remember, ‘Don’t report it, just move on’ is not advice, it’s a warning that the system is broken. And it’s exactly why we need to speak up.