Rescue helicopter gets 'pass mark' despite workplace concerns

An independent workplace safety review has given the Northern New South Wales Helicopter Rescue Service a "pass mark" despite admitted workplace culture shortfalls.

In November last year Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service engaged law firm Mallesons to undertake an independent review of the safety and workplace culture within the organisation.

The review was commissioned after allegations of a toxic workplace culture.

An executive summary of the review has now been released and given to NSW Ambulance.

The independent review found "an overwhelmingly positive picture of physical and operational safety at the Service".

But when it came to bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment, the review said "there is sufficient data to indicate that such conduct has occurred within the Service over the past five years".

The review examined 220 documents, a voluntary and anonymous employee survey, about 100 interviews with current and former employees and other stakeholders, and site visits at the service's four locations.

Hostile environment persists 'in pockets'

The summary report said multiple interviewees described alleged conduct that would contribute to a "hostile workplace for women".

The report referred to allegations of sexist and misogynistic jokes made within the workplace, female employees "working the floor" at fundraising events while senior male employees sat back and drank alcohol, and guest speakers delivering content that included "racist, sexist and sexualised jokes".

Twelve per cent of the 116 survey respondents reported witnessing or experiencing sex discrimination in the past five years and 28 per cent reported witnessing or experiencing examples of bullying.

In light of the allegations, the review concluded elements of a hostile workplace environment persisted "in pockets" but were not pervasive.

Concerns were also raised about how such complaints were handled.

According to the staff survey referenced in the review, close to half of respondents provided negative feedback about a redacted support mechanism, with a quarter of respondents saying they would not take their concerns to it.

The review concluded that the response to substantiated allegations of sexual harassment and bullying was "inadequate" and in direct contradiction to the service's "zero tolerance" policy.

It found patient safety had not been impacted by workplace culture issues.

Board apologises

In a statement, board chair John Fenwick apologised to any current or former employees who experienced bullying or workplace harassment while employed by the service.

"This review has found serious instances in which we have let people down," he said.

"Those experiences are unacceptable and I am sorry.

"No-one should come to work and experience that kind of treatment."

The review made 31 recommendations, which the Rescue Service has pledged to adopt.

The recommendations include that employees undergo refresher training on sexual harassment with particular focus on "low-level" sexual harassment and gender harassment.

The review said annual training on sexual harassment and other gender-based harms should be conducted.

It also recommended the service "draw a line in the sand' and reset expectations with employees to correct any perception that "low-level" sexual harassment, sex-based harassment and bullying is condoned or tolerated within the Service".

The service's contract is managed by NSW Ambulance and is due to expire in 2027.

In a statement, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said NSW Ambulance would be keeping a close eye on the service's progress ahead of the contract deadline.

"We want everyone to feel safe and respected at work," he said.

"NSW Health and NSW Ambulance will monitor very closely the organisation's progress in implementing the recommendations of the report.