Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner says recent scandals should be used to shine a light on sexual assault at work.

While the entertainment world continues to be rocked by ongoing allegations against media mogul Harvey Weinstein, commissioner Kate Jenkins says a high proportion of Australian workers are exposed to a similar level of abhorrent behaviour.

The Australian Human Rights Commission says there has been a 13 per cent increase in complaints of sexual harassment in its last reporting period.

A national survey conducted by commission in 2012 found that one in four women had been sexually harassed at work in the past five years.

A new national workplace sexual harassment survey is due next month, providing the latest data on the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment over time.

The high rate may be surprising to some, but Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins says nearly one third of people who make a formal complaint also say they suffered significant consequences as a result.

“Sexual harassment at work is an appalling abuse of power. It can have far-reaching and ongoing impacts on people's lives,” she said.

“As a community we need to do much more to address attitudes which blame and silence victims, excuse abuse and permit sexual harassment to occur.

“I spoke to one hospital worker who was sexually harassed by a male patient, who indecently exposed himself to her. Instead of helping her, the woman's colleagues and manager assumed she was in a sexual relationship with him.

“Another young woman told me she was asked to wear a bikini while fruit picking so she could get paid a bonus.

“It is critical that we continue to shine a light on these issues.

“Everyone has the right to work free from sexual harassment and the fear of sexual violence.

“The stories that have emerged about decades of sexual harassment and abuse allegedly perpetrated by Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein are disgusting and shocking.

“But they also highlight the continued need to address sexual harassment in every workplace,” the commissioner says.