The bystander approach to prevention

Abstract

In 2018, the Australian Human Rights Commission identified that in 40% of sexual harassment cases at least one other person witnessed the incident, and that in most of those incidents (69%), bystanders did not intervene. The oil and gas sector has normalised stop work and intervene as a workplace health and safety practice. What if, as an industry, our workforce was as confident and capable in intervening in harassment as they are when witnessing risks to physical safety? At MATE (Motivating Action Through Empowerment, Griffith University), we believe that change starts with the individual. Our training is based on the idea that not only do we have an opportunity to do the important work around raising the bar on acceptable behaviour, we have a responsibility. It is the work we do at an individual level with our peers that has a ripple effect on the people within our sphere of influence and ultimately makes the difference. This is the philosophy that underpins our approach to creating respectful workplaces. We help to develop effective leaders who have the tools to action change within our workplaces and our greater community. Since 2022, TechnipFMC Australia’s STRIVE (Supporting TechnipFMC to Reach Its Vision of Equity) team has been working closely with MATE to roll out a training package to its workforce, building an understanding of the role of the bystander in creating a safe and respectful workplace. The content will explore the benefits of active bystander behaviour, why TechnipFMC sees value in investing in the program and the impact of the program post-session.