December 2014 will forever be remembered by the tragic events that unfolded in Martin Place. Two innocent lives were lost, and a city came together in mourning and solidarity.
The Sydney Siege underlined the importance of taking appropriate steps to protect the community at large. It also highlighted the need for organisations to have a clear emergency plan and to think about implementing appropriate security measures.
Health and safety legislation imposes a duty on entities undertaking work to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their workers and other persons. It also requires workplaces to prepare and implement an emergency plan, and ensure that all workers receive appropriate information, training and instruction.
There is a lesson to be learnt from the Sydney Siege about the importance of implementing an emergency plan that is flexible and responds appropriately to sudden and unexpected situations. During emergency situations, there is a need for leadership, rapid decision making and the availability of appropriate resources.
This is where leaders of organisations and industry need to ensure that their emergency plans incorporate effective procedures for security arrangements, alongside existing health and safety arrangements. Leaders not only make decisions about the allocation of resources within an organisation but play a key role in defining an organisation's values.
Leaders also need to create a culture that ensures safety is a main priority and encourages people to report errors and unusual activities, promote co-operation, seek feedback and reinforce behaviour that is consistent with company values.
Organisations should ensure that they have an effective emergency plan in place and consider incorporating appropriate security measures in their health and safety arrangements. This would require a shift in the way individuals think and behave when it comes to work, health and safety protocol.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
