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Leadership capability gaps, flawed people policies and systems, and a lack of accountability from senior leaders have contributed to Rio Tinto's culture of bullying, harassment and racism, a "disturbing" report shows.

Earlier this year Rio Tinto commissioned an independent review of its workplace culture to better understand, prevent and respond to harmful behaviours across its global operations.

Released yesterday, former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick's 85-page report reveals some "uncomfortable truths" about the mining giant's culture, and notes these findings, while "confronting", aren't exclusive to its workforce.

Her investigations show that in the past five years:

• there was an overall prevalence rate of bullying of 48.4%, with women more likely to experience it (53%, compared with 47% of men);
• 21 women reported experiencing actual or attempted rape or sexual assault;
• 11.2% of employees experienced sexual harassment; and
• 11.7% of employees experienced racism, however this rate was significantly higher among specific populations (40% of men who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experienced racism, compared to 12% of men who don't)...