Emergency plans and procedures

  • Under the model WHS laws, all workplaces must have an emergency plan in place. This includes workplaces where construction work is being undertaken. The plan must let workers and visitors know what to do in an emergency. The emergency plan should be easy to access and reviewed and updated regularly.

Preparing emergency plans

Your emergency plan may include:

  • Contact details for key people - like fire wardens and first aid officers
  • Contact details for local emergency services
  • How to alert people at the workplace to an emergency or potential emergency - for example, using a siren or bell alarm
  • Help for hearing, vision or mobility impaired people
  • A map of the workplace showing where to find fire protection equipment, emergency exits and assembly points, and
  • The post-incident follow-up process - for example, notifying the regulator, organising trauma counselling or medical treatment.

For more information on emergency plans, please see Safe Work Australia's emergency plans fact sheet. You can also use this emergency plan template to help you prepare an emergency plan.

You may plan for:

  • Fires
  • Explosions
  • Medical emergencies
  • Rescues
  • Incidents with hazardous chemicals

Reviewing emergency plans

You must maintain your emergency plan for it to remain effective. Reviewing your emergency plan will help it stay current. You should review your plan when:

  • There are changes to your workplace, like re-location or refurbishments
  • The number or arrangement of your workforce changes, including if there are more temporary contractors
  • Your work activities increase or change, or
  • After testing the plan.
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PCBU duties
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Worker duties

You must prepare and maintain an effective emergency plan.

You must implement the plan in an emergency and follow emergency services' instructions.

You must provide training and ensure workers understand the emergency plan and procedure.

You must consult with your workers and their health and safety representatives, if there are any, when making and reviewing emergency plans.

Your PCBU has a duty to keep you and your workplace safe from WHS risks.

You also have a duty to take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others in the workplace including ensuring your acts and omissions don't adversely affect others health and safety.

Comply with any reasonable instructions, policies and procedure given by your PCBU at the workplace, so far as you are reasonably able to.

Emergency procedure training

You must provide training to your workers, including on procedures for:

  • Evacuations and assembly points
  • Equipment
  • First aid, and
  • Safely shutting down machinery.

For more information on PCBU duties on emergency plans and procedures, please refer to Regulation 43 of the model WHS regulations.

For more information

Model Codes of Practice

Guidance materials

 

 

  • Did you know

    The WHS regulator in your state or territory can provide practical advice, resources and tools to help you be safe when working in construction. They can also let you know which WHS laws apply to you.