The safety and security of employees and customers in any workplace are paramount. Safe Work Australia reports that almost 40,000 serious workplace injuries and illnesses occur annually in Australia, with over 7,000 of those involving fires, explosions, or other emergencies. Personnel should be trained and knowledgeable in emergency warden roles to ensure the workplace is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in a crisis.
Having emergency wardens with the right traits and skills is essential in building a resilient culture of trust and confidence in any organisation. Attributes such as calmness under pressure, a proactive approach to problem-solving, the ability to stay focused in chaotic situations, and a willingness to take the initiative should be encouraged. Additionally, a basic understanding of emergency procedures and protocols is essential to respond quickly and effectively. With the right mindset and skillset, emergency wardens can help ensure everyone is safe and the workplace is prepared to handle any emergency.
Training your emergency wardens builds a culture of safety and preparedness within the organisation. It ensures that the emergency wardens are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle any emergency and increases their confidence and morale. Having well-trained employees performing the role of emergency warden can save lives and minimise damage to property in the event of an emergency.
A team of emergency wardens are only as effective as the plan in place and how that plan is understood and enacted. An organisation must recognise the importance of exercising emergency plans; it builds confidence in the emergency warden group, allowing them to become familiar with the plan and their roles in executing it. By practising various scenarios, the emergency warden group can identify areas of improvement and fine-tune the plan to suit their needs better. This helps them act quickly and efficiently during an emergency, ultimately saving lives and minimising damage.
Additionally, exercising emergency plans can help identify any equipment or resources lacking, allowing the organisation to address these gaps before a crisis occurs. Overall, regular exercise of emergency plans is a crucial part of emergency preparedness and can significantly increase the effectiveness of the emergency warden group in responding to emergencies.
In Tasmania, the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (TAS) require that emergency wardens are trained to perform their duties effectively. Specifically, Regulation 43(2) of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (TAS) stipulates that a person appointed as an emergency warden must be trained in the duties required to perform. This training must cover topics such as emergency response procedures, the use of emergency equipment, and communication protocols.
Concerning practice evacuation, the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (TAS) stipulates that workplaces must conduct a practice evacuation at least once every 12 months. Specifically, Regulation 43(1) of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (TAS) requires that a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure that an emergency plan is prepared for the workplace and that the plan is tested regularly to ensure its effectiveness.
At Preventium, we are dedicated to empowering organisations to handle any emergency with confidence. Our seasoned experts have the knowledge and commitment to train your emergency wardens to enact the organisation’s emergency plan seamlessly. Reach out to us today for a free consultation to find out how we can help build confidence in your organisation’s emergency preparations.