A new online tool that will be integral to the Worksafe Mines Safety Share program for reporting sexual assault and harassment is being launched today at an industry summit, after being developed by UWA students earlier this year.
Mikayla Baudains, Karla Ivkovic and Chin-Fung Chan worked with WorkSafe Mines Safety sponsors Narelle McMahon and Christina Foley on the project-based Approaches to Wicked Problems unit through UWA’s McCusker Centre for Citizenship throughout January and February, creating a website and reporting tool for accessible and safe reporting of sexual harassment for workers in the mining industry.
With input and guidance on the issue from their sponsors, the students created a functional demonstration site, which has now been converted by the WorkSafe Mines Safety website team ready to go online for launch at the Driving Respect: Mining Industry Summit 2023 today.
"We are deeply appreciative of the opportunity given to us to meaningfully contribute to this initiative, which holds such great capacity to effect positive change for individuals working in the mining sector,” said Mikayla Baudains, speaking on behalf of the student group.
“It was a truly fulfilling and inspiring experience to partner with industry leaders who not only supported us but also shared a genuine passion for improving the communities they work with."
WorkSafe Mines Safety sponsor for the Project, Narelle McMahon, said she was impressed by the professionalism and quality of the team.
“Karla, Mikayla and Chin-Fung were incredible to work with and produced a fantastic tool in a very limited time.”
The Summit will be attended by WA Premier, the Honourable Roger Cook, along with leaders from the mining industry and government.