The mining sector is still coming to grips with the issue of psychosocial risk.
Edith Cowan University (ECU), in partnership with the Western Australian Government's Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program, has launched a new Graduate Certificate of Leadership in Mining Workplace Safety to enhance work health and safety (WHS) leadership capability and elevate the culture of safety and respect in the sector.
MARS Course Coordinator Dr Esme Franken said the course is aimed at enabling current and emerging leaders to advance initiatives around mentally healthy and safe workspaces within the resources sector.
The course will consist of three units, with the first focusing on mining work health and safety, developed in partnership with ECU's School of Medical and Health Sciences.
"Developing a proactive approach to preventing harm is essential, and this starts with the leadership team, so we start the course showing leaders their role in preventing harm," MARS Deputy Director and ECU Associate Professor Marcus Cattani said.
The second unit, Leading Respect at Work, is focused on workplace culture, barriers to respect at work, and new legislation around psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
"We are also focusing on sexual harassment as well as bullying, which were flagged as major causes of concern in the mining sector over the past few years, including in the Enough is Enough and Respect at Work reports," said Franken.
The final unit, Managing People and Organisations is an existing unit within ECU's Master of Business Administration course which has been adapted and refined for the mining industry.
"Underlying this all is the goal of elevating leadership capability within the mining sector and to advance and champion safe and respectful workplaces in the industry," said Franken.
MARS Centre Director and Professorial Chair of Mining Work Health and Safety at ECU's School of Business and Law, Professor Tim Bentley said that the new Graduate Certificate of Leadership in Mining Workplace Safety is unique amongst currently available courses for the sector as its focus encompasses psychosocial risk, respect at work, and physical health and safety.
"The sector is still coming to grips with the issue of psychosocial risk. Mining organisations have the challenge of managing these issues from a risk-based approach. That will be addressed during this course, and students will be empowered to lead a mentally healthy and respectful workplace. The more leaders and future leaders that go through this course, the bigger the shift will be in culture."
Professor Bentley noted that graduates from the course would also become part of the MARS Alumni, allowing them access to continued professional development and support.
The MARS Centre is an ECU industry collaboration specifically aimed at creating mentally healthy workplaces, building a culture of safety and respect, and preparing for workplace safety in future mining.
General Manager of the MARS Program at the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Peter Payne, highlighted the importance of capability building within the resources sector.
"The ECU Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Mining Workplace Safety empowers leaders, fostering a culture of respect and safety. Aligned with the Western Australian Government's MARS Program, it addresses vital topics like addressing sexual harassment and workplace safety. This course prepares the mining workforce for future challenges, emphasising mental awareness, respect, and safety. Together, we shape a safer and more conscientious mining industry."
For more information on the Graduate Certificate of Leadership in Mining Workplace Safety head to the website.
