WHS Form 104 Emergency Response Plan and procedure. The objectives of these implementation procedures are to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety and well-being of all workers, sub-contractors and visitors who are on site.
These procedures include guidelines to assist the organisations personnel and visitors to recognise and respond to concerning behaviours in a systematic way to prevent the risk of escalation to violence or other serious incidents.
Contents
Personal Injury. 3
Personal Injury – minor. 3
Personal Injury – major. 3
Minor Incident. 3
Is it safe to go near the accident?. 3
Isolated Incident. 4
Is it safe to approach the accident?. 4
Unmanageable incident. 4
See Evacuation Procedure. 4
Emergency Evacuation. 4
Fire/ Smoke. 5
Raise the alarm.. 5
Fire Fighting. 5
Evacuate. 5
Intruders. 6
Chemical Hazard / Spill / Gas Leak. 6
Suspicious Mail or Packages. 7
If suspicious mail or package has not been opened. 7
If suspicious mail or package has been opened. 7
If suspected that the device is an explosive device. 7
PEOPLE WITH SPECIFIC NEEDS. 8
What to do in an emergency situation – your individual response. 8
Assisting a person with a physical disability. 8
Mental Health Incidents. 9
Mental health incidents can include: 9
People needing assistance. 9
Face to face threatening or other concerning behaviours. 9
Written, phone or observed threatening or other concerning behaviours. 9
Fall From Heights. 10
Elevating Work Platform mechanical failure. 10
Trenching Incident. 10
Vehicle or Mobile Plant Rollover. 10
Bush Fire. 10
Why do you need an Emergency Response Plan?
An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is essential for effectively managing emergencies and ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, visitors, and the community. Here’s why having an ERP is crucial:
Ensuring Safety
- Protecting Lives: An ERP outlines procedures for responding to emergencies such as fires, natural disasters, chemical spills, or medical emergencies. This helps ensure that everyone knows how to respond to protect their lives and the lives of others.
- Minimizing Injuries: By providing clear instructions on emergency procedures, the plan helps reduce the risk of injuries during an emergency by guiding people to safety and facilitating timely medical care.
Improving Response Efficiency
- Coordinating Actions: The ERP establishes a structured approach to handling emergencies, including roles and responsibilities for emergency response teams. This coordination helps ensure that actions are taken quickly and effectively.
- Streamlining Communication: The plan includes procedures for communicating during an emergency, both internally (within the organization) and externally (with emergency services and the public). Effective communication helps manage the situation more efficiently and keeps everyone informed.
Complying with Legal and Regulatory Requirements
- Meeting Compliance Obligations: Many regulations and standards require organizations to have an ERP in place. Compliance with these requirements helps avoid legal penalties and demonstrates a commitment to safety and preparedness.
- Supporting Insurance Requirements: Insurance policies often require organizations to have an ERP to mitigate risks and demonstrate that adequate measures are in place to handle emergencies. A well-developed plan can also potentially lower insurance premiums.
Protecting Company Assets
- Minimizing Property Damage: An ERP includes procedures for mitigating and managing damage to facilities, equipment, and other assets during an emergency. This helps protect valuable resources and reduces repair and replacement costs.
- Ensuring Continuity of Operations: The plan outlines steps to maintain or quickly resume business operations after an emergency, reducing disruptions and financial losses.
Supporting Employee Well-Being
- Providing Assurance: Having an ERP in place gives employees confidence that their safety and well-being are a priority. This can reduce anxiety and improve morale, knowing that there is a clear plan for handling emergencies.
- Offering Support: The plan includes provisions for providing support and counseling to employees affected by emergencies, helping them cope with the aftermath and return to normalcy.
Enhancing Organizational Resilience
- Building Preparedness: Regular drills and reviews of the ERP help build organizational resilience by ensuring that employees are prepared and familiar with emergency procedures. This preparedness enhances the organization’s ability to handle unexpected situations.
- Identifying Weaknesses: The process of developing and testing the ERP helps identify potential weaknesses or gaps in emergency preparedness, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation.
Facilitating Effective Recovery
- Supporting Recovery Efforts: The ERP outlines steps for recovery and restoration of normal operations after an emergency. This includes assessing damage, coordinating with recovery teams, and implementing recovery plans to minimize downtime and resume normal activities.
- Documenting Lessons Learned: After an emergency, the ERP provides a framework for reviewing and documenting lessons learned, helping to improve future response efforts and refine the plan.
Promoting a Culture of Safety
- Encouraging Safety Awareness: An ERP promotes a culture of safety by emphasizing the importance of preparedness and response. This fosters a proactive approach to managing risks and ensuring safety at all levels of the organization.
- Reinforcing Safety Training: Regular training and drills related to the ERP help reinforce safety practices and ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities during an emergency.
Enhancing External Relations
- Building Community Trust: Demonstrating that your organization has a comprehensive ERP in place helps build trust with the community, clients, and stakeholders. It shows that you are responsible and committed to managing emergencies effectively.
- Coordinating with Emergency Services: An ERP facilitates coordination with external emergency services, such as fire departments, medical responders, and law enforcement, ensuring a collaborative and efficient response to emergencies.
Reducing Financial Impact
- Limiting Financial Losses: By minimizing damage, reducing downtime, and ensuring a quick recovery, the ERP helps limit financial losses associated with emergencies. Effective response and recovery measures can significantly reduce the overall impact on the organization’s finances.
In summary, an Emergency Response Plan is vital for ensuring safety, improving response efficiency, and protecting company assets. It supports compliance with legal requirements, enhances organizational resilience, and promotes a culture of safety. Additionally, the ERP facilitates effective recovery, builds trust with external stakeholders, and reduces financial impact, contributing to overall organizational stability and preparedness.
