07/07/2026
Everyone deserves to come to work feeling safe and respected.
Sexual harassment can happen between staff, from customers, suppliers or contractors. It can happen to men or women, adults or juniors, and even if someone thinks they're "just being friendly."
A recent incident reminded us of this. An adult customer repeatedly stroked the arm of one of our junior staff members while telling him he was handsome. When she discovered he was 16, she stopped.
Regardless of intent, that behaviour was not appropriate.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that could make someone feel uncomfortable, intimidated, embarrassed or unsafe.
Examples include:
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Unwanted touching.
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Stroking someone's arm or back.
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Standing unnecessarily close.
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Sexual jokes.
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Comments about someone's body.
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Asking personal sexual questions.
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Repeated requests for dates.
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Showing sexual images or videos.
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Sending inappropriate messages.
One incident can be enough.
It doesn't matter who does it Sexual harassment can involve: customers, staff, managers, suppliers, contractors, visitors.
It can happen to any gender, any age. Everyone has the same right to a safe workplace.
What should you do?
If you're comfortable:
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Tell the person to stop.
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Walk away.
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Ask another staff member for assistance.
If you're not comfortable:
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Tell the PIC or manager immediately.
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If the customer is still in store, we'll deal with it.
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If required, we'll ask customers to leave.
Nobody is expected to put up with behaviour that makes them uncomfortable.
Looking after each other
If you see something happening:
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Check on your teammate.
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Stay nearby.
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Offer to swap with them.
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Let a manager know.
Don't assume someone else will report it. It is a hazard report, it’s a safety issue.
TANDA
Safety Topic – Sexual Harassment & Respect at Work
Today's safety meeting covered sexual harassment and respectful behaviour in the workplace.
Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender, and it can come from customers, suppliers, contractors or other staff. Even behaviour that someone intends as a compliment can be inappropriate if it is unwelcome or makes another person feel uncomfortable.
Examples include:
• Unwanted touching or physical contact.
• Comments about someone's appearance or body.
• Sexual jokes or remarks.
• Standing unnecessarily close.
• Repeated requests for dates after someone has said no.
If a customer or another person makes you feel uncomfortable:
• Remove yourself from the situation if you can.
• Let the PIC or a manager know immediately.
• If you witness this happening to someone else, check on them and let a manager know.
No one is expected to tolerate behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable. We take all reports seriously and will support any staff member who experiences or witnesses inappropriate behaviour.
If you're ever unsure whether something is appropriate, please come and have a chat with one of the managers.