Recent events got us thinking about workplace emergencies. From the events at the Preston Shopping Centre and Bondi Junction Westfield, to the flood disasters on the Mid North Coast of NSW, and the recent power outage across Portugal and Spain – all of these incidents have the ability to severely impact the operations of a workplace and can cause both physical and psychological injuries to staff.
Legislation in Australia dictates that we must have arrangements in place for the management of emergencies. This includes having documented Plans detailing how to respond. Different incident types require a variety of responses, which is why it is important for staff to understand how to evacuate, shelter in place and lockdown. Managing emergencies also requires organisations to consider the safety of any customers and members of the public in workplaces.
It is important to consider the management of emergencies, not only in the workplace but anywhere your staff travel related to their work. To add some complexity to this, organisations in multi-tenanted locations have a shared duty and must understand what their role is in an emergency and what their landlord or facility manager has responsibility for.
With emergency situations becoming more diverse and frequent, it is vitally important that you have emergency arrangements documented and communicated for all of your workplaces.
Conducting assurance and audit activities can support your organisation’s compliance and will support your staff to respond effectively and safely in an emergency situation.
Want to see how your organisation stacks up?
Download our free Emergency Management Checklist to test your compliance to legislation and to see if you have any gaps. Click the link below to download your checklist.
If you would like to discuss your workplace emergency arrangements or would like support with an Emergency Management Audit, please feel free to give me a call.
https://the-mindful-risk-group.kit.com/c119b2a3f9
Have a great day,
Bron
Mob 0498 631 462