Section 5.3       Implement emergency response procedures within scope of training and competence

Hazardous events

Events or situations which are potentially hazardous to people, property or the environment include fire or explosion, leaks or spills of dangerous substances, structural failure, bomb threats and many other types of unwanted developments, depending on the type of workplace and its location. Even the risk of terrorist attacks may be contemplated, for some kinds of facilities.

An organisation’s capacity to deal with emergencies or hazardous events depends largely on whether suitable contingency plans are in place, and personnel adequately trained in the roles and procedures which should be activated under such circumstances.

Critical incident response plans

Formulating a contingency plan, often known as an emergency response plan or a critical incident response plan, begins with management and staff working together to identify likely incidents for which they should be prepared. In some cases, specialist assistance with the planning may also be advisable.

The roles and duties in emergencies of key personnel, administrative arrangements including training required, business continuity plans and relevant systems and procedures all need to be worked out and documented in advance of any incident.

Response plans need to include arrangements for raising the alarm, accounting for people, escape routes and safe muster points. Evacuation procedures are important, but they are not the only response which should be considered. Depending on the type of workplace, procedures to contain spills, fight fires and rescue workers or others may also need to be devised.

Equipment such as fire extinguishers also needs to be monitored, with maintenance and testing schedules followed as well as relevant information and training provided to staff. Communication systems to be used if normal communication systems break down should also be part of the plan.

Training for all workers and a schedule for practice drills also need to be established, and possibly arrangements for media liaison. Procedures for some types of incidents such as bomb threats should be documented and displayed, and relevant information and training given to workers who may cover phones where such threats might be received.

As with all risks to personnel, measures to control the risk of hazardous events need to be put in place. Risk control strategies vary according to the type of threat, but may include activities such as bomb-proofing of buildings, strengthening other security arrangements such as restricting access to some areas, installation of deluge or drencher systems, or providing staff with duress alarms.

External services involvement

If a hazardous event occurs, assistance may be required from external services such as the fire brigade, ambulance, hospital, police or state emergency services. Services such as these will be much better able to provide assistance if they have been given relevant information about the types of hazardous events they might be called upon to help with. For example, if there are dangerous goods at the workplace, emergency services will need site plans and an inventory of the types of goods, quantities and location.

Contact numbers for emergency services should be prominently posted in relevant spots at the workplace, and also programmed into the mobile phones of personnel with particular roles during emergencies. Details of your location including the nearest cross street should be know by all staff.

Post incident procedures

Dealing with a hazardous event also includes dealing with its aftermath. This may include giving first aid, critical incident debriefing, clean-up and restoration works, trauma counselling, injury management, compensation and return to work.

First aid procedures should comply with the requirements of the relevant provisions in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 (Chapter 2, Clause 20). consultation about first aid procedures should include how they could operate in emergency circumstances, for example, when access to the first aid room or first aid supplies is not available for some reason.

Debriefing and counselling may help employees to come to terms with particular aspects of some types of hazardous events. Suitable providers of such services should be noted in the contingency plan and preliminary contacts made.

Good injury management practices include maintaining empathetic contact with injured or ill employees (whether or not their injury is work-related), providing whatever work they can safely manage during their recuperation (for example, by phone and email), enabling them to make a graduated return to work according to their physical capacities, and ensuring return to work plans and other practices are in compliance with the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998. All employers must have current workers compensation insurance policies. For details of workers compensation and injury management requirements, check WorkCover’s website.

Training

Training in risk control measures, in safe work procedures, and in how to participate in the risk management process, is essential to achieve a safe and healthy workplace. Procedures need to be in place to ensure workers are given induction training when they first start work at an organisation, and from time to time after that, as necessary. Workers should be trained in how to use substances and equipment safely, and in the systems which are in place to protect health and safety, including the functions of the OHS committee and/or the OHS representative. The training should also cover the reporting of accidents and incidents, and any other OHS concerns.