It comes after a number of alleged sexual assaults on mine sites were reported in 2021 and after Rio Tinto released a report which found that bullying and sexism were systemic across its sites.
The three new codes are The Code of Practice on Workplace Behaviour, which covers misconduct, prolonged conflict, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and bullying; The Code of Practice on Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace, covering violence, aggression, fatigue, burnout, stress and trauma; and The Code of Practice on Violence and Aggression at Work, which provides guidance where workers may be exposed to physical assault, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation and harassment.
The new codes are the result of extensive consultation with industry, unions and the community.
Since 2014, WA has operated under a Code of Practice on Violence, Aggression and Bullying.
The three modernised codes ensure that more inappropriate workplace behaviours are adequately considered.
The codes were created by the WA Commission for Occupational Safety and Health, which includes the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, Unions WA and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA.
"Inappropriate behaviours are unacceptable in any workplace, and these codes provide practical risk management guidance that can be tailored to the unique demands of each workplace," WA mines, petroleum and industrial relations minister Bill Johnston said.
"Managing psychosocial hazards is the responsibility of employers, but it can be extremely challenging and a proactive and comprehensive approach is needed, hence these very specific codes."
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA welcomed the release of the new codes.
"Ensuring our people are safe at work - both physically and psychologically - is always the number one priority for the WA mining and resources sector, and a number of national reviews have highlighted the need for further guidance across all industries from WHS regulators around psychosocial risks and hazards in the workplace," CEO Paul Everingham said.
"We have made it clear that any instance of sexual harassment or assault, bullying and discrimination is absolutely unacceptable.
"CME members will now use the codes to review the systems and processes they currently have in place, and make sure they are taking a holistic, coordinated and risk-based approach to such issues."
Yesterday, BHP CEO Mike Henry vowed to stamp out sexual misconduct and bad behaviour on the company's sites.
"We know unacceptable behaviour still happens in workplaces, and BHP is no exception to that … and this behaviour cannot be allowed to continue on," he told reporters yesterday.
When asked if BHP would conduct a similar review into workplace behaviour, Henry said the company has been working on initiatives since 2018, focused on respectful behaviours.
The company established an independent investigation body in 2020 and has a global independent support unit to provide support to staff who have experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault and other bad behaviour.
"BHP has recognised these sorts of issues in the company," Henry said.
"We've been taking action on it for a number of years, still further to go, no doubt. And we are looking for further opportunities for improvement.
"But we think we've got a pretty good handle on behaviour that has happened historically in the industry, in the company. We've been taking action on it."
