Fortescue backs down in mines harassment stoush

Fortescue backs down in mines harassment stoush

Fortescue Metals Group has backed down in its stand-off with West Australian regulators, saying it is going to present paperwork regarding alleged sexual harassment circumstances.

WorkSafe final week revealed it was prosecuting Fortescue for failing to provide the paperwork as a part of an investigation into harassment on the Christmas Creek, Solomon and Cloudbreak mining operations.

The Andrew Forrest-chaired mining big was charged with 34 counts of refusing or failing to adjust to a requirement to offer paperwork to a WorkSafe inspector inside a specified interval with no affordable excuse.

Fortescue initially defended its place, saying there was “no legal basis” for the regulator to demand the data and it could not launch the small print of staff with out their information and consent.

But the corporate on Monday mentioned it had resolved to co-operate following a gathering with the WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

“The Fortescue board today considered the WorkSafe prosecution announced last week,” the corporate mentioned in a press release.

“Fortescue will submit documents to WorkSafe with the names of our people redacted to protect their identities.

“We will proceed to work and collaborate with WorkSafe, as we at all times have, to make sure our folks at all times really feel protected to talk up.”

The company said it had zero-tolerance for inappropriate workplace behaviour but remained “fiercely protecting” of staff and their private information.

A WorkSafe spokeswoman said the commissioner was aware of Fortescue’s offer and would evaluate the information when it was received.

The case involving Fortescue had been listed for mention in a Perth court next month.

A parliamentary inquiry final 12 months discovered WA’s multi-billion greenback mining business had failed to guard feminine employees from predatory behaviour, together with focused violence, stalking, grooming and threats to their livelihoods.

Source: www.perthnow.com.au