Frequently Asked Questions
Safety is our passion, and we find that passion is infectious when organisations find out just how simple Workplace Emergency Management makes compliance with the relevant workplace health and safety legislation. We leave you with more time to focus on other business, and you’ll feel confident knowing that you and your staff are able to manage any emergency.
Emergency Management is a comprehensive service that equips businesses with the strategies and tools required to effectively respond to emergencies, including fires, natural disasters, and medical incidents. This service involves developing a structured plan that includes risk assessments, tailored evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and clearly defined staff roles. By implementing these protocols, Emergency Management services ensure that businesses are prepared to protect the safety of employees and visitors, minimise operational disruptions, and comply with legal safety standards.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers:
General Emergency Management
An Emergency Management Plan is a structured approach that outlines procedures and protocols for businesses to follow during various emergency situations, such as fires, natural disasters, or medical emergencies. It typically includes key components like risk assessments, evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and staff roles. This plan is crucial as it ensures the safety of employees and visitors, minimises operational disruptions and helps businesses meet legal requirements.
Being prepared with an emergency management plan is vital for businesses to protect lives, reduce property damage, and ensure business continuity. A well-structured plan not only minimises risks but also safeguards businesses from potential legal liabilities, demonstrating a proactive approach to workplace safety.
It’s recommended that businesses review and update their emergency management plan annually or whenever a significant change occurs, such as building modifications or an incident. Regular reviews help identify potential gaps and ensure the plan remains effective, relevant, and compliant with current safety standards.
Types of Emergencies and Procedures
A suspicious item is any item that is not able to be identified or accounted for. A bomb would be classified as a suspicious item, but an emergency relating to a bomb would be classified as a Bomb Threat Emergency. A Bomb Threat Emergency may include a suspicious item, which may or may not be a bomb.
Workplace Emergency Management will develop Suspicious Item Response and Bomb Threat Emergency Procedures, checklists and protocols should your facility require them, or any other specialised emergency plans and procedures.
No, No and No. As part of the Emergency Control Organisation your main priority is yourself, and then if it’s safe to do so, inform people there is an emergency, the best way to respond to the emergency and then to account for people. The main tool to removing people from danger is the use of information. Workplace Emergency Management uses comprehensive training in Human Behaviour in emergencies to prepare and give the tools for people to remove people from danger in emergencies.
Workplace Emergency Management does however train in first attack fire fighting, giving you the knowledge to attack a fire at the early stage or to contain/extinguish a fire in order to remove people from danger.
Basically anything that puts, or could put, life in danger.
Examples of emergencies include fire, bomb threat, medical, flood, bushfire, chemical spill, natural disaster, structure damage, civil disorder, armed holdup.
Businesses should prepare for a range of emergencies, including fires, floods, chemical spills, medical emergencies, and natural disasters. Each type of emergency requires tailored responses to minimise risks and ensure safety.
Common Emergencies Businesses Face that we can assist with:
- Fires: Fire outbreaks can happen in any environment, and having clear evacuation procedures is critical.
- Floods: For areas prone to flooding, businesses need to implement flood response plans, including safe evacuation routes and protective measures for critical equipment.
- Chemical Spills: Industries handling hazardous materials should have containment procedures and decontamination plans in place.
- Natural Disasters: Plans for earthquakes, hurricanes, or other natural disasters should include safe shelter areas and emergency communication strategies.
Roles and Responsibilities
A PEEP is required for each person who requires assistance to evacuate in an emergency. Assistance may be required due to mobility restrictions, vision or hearing impairment or learning difficulties.
Workplace Emergency Management will assist with developing as many PEEPs as required in your facility.
Emergency Control Organisation is the term used for people trained in the workplace to respond to emergencies and take control by informing people there is an emergency, the best way to respond to the emergency and the account for people. In most cases, these people are called Wardens.
Workplace Emergency Management will tailor a training package to suit your facility.
Emergency Planning Committee is the term used for the body of people that continually prepares the facility for an emergency. The EPC develops, implements and maintains an Emergency Plan.
Workplace Emergency Management will work with the EPC and the key stakeholders to develop the Emergency Plan which documents the systems, strategies, procedures and any other arrangements that relate to Emergency Response and Emergency Management.
Training and Qualifications
We are. At Workplace Emergency Management our Trainers and Consultants are competent and confident in emergency management and have real emergency experience.
Our understanding of real emergencies means we are well placed to assess and advise on the best way to prepare your facility and personnel for emergencies.
It depends on the size of the facility and the amount of people in the facility, however as a general rule of thumb about 1 in 20 people, or 2 people per floor or area. An exercise will need to be carried out at least once per year and all staff will need to be involved, generally for minimal time.
Workplace Emergency Management will assess the facility and provide a recommendation.
Chief Fire Warden Training equips designated employees with the knowledge and skills to manage emergencies. This training covers evacuation procedures, fire safety protocols, leadership skills, and compliance with relevant standards to ensure effective emergency management.
Compliance and Regulations
AS3745-2010 is an Australian standard that provides guidelines for developing emergency procedures and evacuation plans in workplaces. It ensures that businesses are prepared for emergencies, helping to protect employees and visitors by providing clear instructions and procedures.
Yes. A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must maintain the emergency plan for the workplace so that it remains effective.
Maximum penalty: in the case of an individual $6,000 or in the case of a body corporate $30,000.
Time and Implementation
It depends on the size of the facility, but in most cases it could be as little as 1hr three times per year. Workplace Emergency Management will organise everything else, leaving you to run your business.
Workplace Emergency Management provides services across the nation.
For state-specific information, including legislation and the services we provide, click on your state from the list below:
GET IN TOUCH
Take the first step towards a safer, more compliant workplace today. Let our expert team handle your Emergency Management needs, so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business.
Contact us now to schedule a consultation and ensure your workforce is fully prepared for any emergency.