{"id":23887,"date":"2024-03-13T09:07:07","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T01:07:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=media-release&p=23887"},"modified":"2024-03-13T09:07:08","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T01:07:08","slug":"mining-worker-study-key-insights-into-the-state-of-wa-minings-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"media-release","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/media-release\/mining-worker-study-key-insights-into-the-state-of-wa-minings-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Mining Worker Study: Key insights into the state of WA mining\u2019s mental health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u2022 Mining workers report a strong focus on physical safety behaviours
\u2022 More than one in three mining workers reported high levels of burnout
\u2022 Covert forms of sexual harassment such as sexism and misogyny are high
\u2022 Bullying in mining shows signs of improvement, however levels remain significantly higher than other industries with double the number of women affected compared to men<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New findings from The Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program Landmark Study<\/em> show reports of unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion are decreasing, but being put down or condescended to based on gender, and receiving offensive sexist remarks, remain common themes in Western Australia\u2019s mining sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers from the Centre for Transformative Work at Â鶹ֱ²¥ surveyed more than 2,500 workers and conducted in-depth interviews with 60 individuals to gain insights into their experiences with a focus on three critical areas \u2013 creating mentally healthy workplaces, building a culture of safety and respect, and preparing for workplace safety in future mining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARS Program Landmark Study Chief Investigator, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Sharon Parker said only four in ten WA mining workers reported feeling satisfied with their job and nearly one in three said they were likely to try to find a new job with another employer in the next 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur research found one in three mining workers experiences emotional exhaustion regularly, indicating high levels of burnout. Disturbingly, covert forms of sexual harassment, including sexism and misogyny, persist,\u201d Professor Parker said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe negative impact of these experiences on mental health and well-being is evident, emphasising the urgent need for change through improved work design, leadership and organisational culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith the mining sector constituting 10 per cent of our workforce in WA and playing a pivotal role in our State\u2019s economic prosperity, this study is a crucial step in highlighting the mental health, safety and well-being of workers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lead author Dr Cheryl Yam said while the findings acknowledge workplace culture was improving as companies pay more attention to reducing discrimination and harassment, a collective commitment is needed to achieve meaningful and lasting change in building a respectful workplace culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe mining industry is a leader in physical safety. With the support and resources from the MARS Program, we are confident that the mining industry is well positioned to also be a leader in mental health and well-being,\u201d Dr Yam said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur research findings provide a roadmap for meaningful action to address and reduce covert forms of sexual harassment and create respectful workplaces to attract, retain and prevent harm to women and people in other minority groups.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key findings:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n