Emergency planning is important for:
- safety — it protects everyone (workers, audiences and other visitors) if there’s an emergency.
- compliance — WHS laws require businesses and organisations to plan for emergencies. Emergency planning reduces risks of fines or penalties.
It is also good for:
- business continuity — a good emergency plan helps workplaces recover faster, reducing downtime.
- professionalism — emergency planning builds trust among workers and patrons, knowing their safety has been looked after.
Emergencies can range from fire and flooding to medical incidents or security threats. Each workplace needs to think about the risks most specific to them.
For example, at an outdoor music festival, a severe storm required quick action. Because of their emergency plan, festival staff safely evacuated attendees to designated shelter areas.
Step 1 — Start with a risk assessment
Identify potential emergencies based on the type of work and environment.
For example:
- Outdoor events: Weather disruptions (high winds can be particularly damaging to temporary structures).
- Indoor spaces: Fire hazards, electrical failures, or evacuations.
- Workshops: Chemical spills or equipment-related injuries.
- Public spaces: Crowded areas at galleries, theatres, or festivals may require additional considerations for crowd control, medical incidents, or security issues.
In practice:
Emergency! Storm at the outdoor cinema
An outdoor cinema in a regional area has an emergency plan in case of severe storms.
The plan includes communication protocols for performers and attendees.
After operating for several years without being impacted by storms, one evening a major storm hits without warning.
The organisers evacuate to ensure no injuries. The next day, there is a quick return to operations.
Step 2 — Create an emergency plan
Think about the risks most specific to the specific workplace, event, location or project.
SafeWork Australia has an emergency plan template you can use to get you started.
Things to include in an emergency plan
- Emergency scenarios — Detail how to respond to specific incidents like fire, floods, or health emergencies.
- Evacuation procedures — Clear steps for getting people to safety, including maps of exits.
- Emergency contacts — Fire, ambulance, police, and utility services.
- Roles and responsibilities — Assign duties to key workers (e.g., fire warden, first aid officer).
Keep it simple
- Create a plan that is easy to understand.
- Use visual aids like signs or posters to reinforce key messages.
Make it accessible
- Make the plan readily available to everyone.
- Share the plan with all workers, contractors, and relevant parties.
Step 3 — Emergency training
Make sure everyone is trained in what to do in an emergency.
Regular training sessions teach workers:
- evacuation routes and meeting points
- how to use fire extinguishers or first-aid kits.
- how to safely help others during emergencies.
For example, a community theatre runs annual drills to practice evacuating performers and audiences in the case of fire or other emergencies. Staff are trained in assisting individuals with mobility challenges.
Step 4 — Review emergency plans
An emergency plan should be reviewed:
- After any emergency, to see what worked and what didn’t.
- When there are changes to your workplace setup or staff.
- At least once a year, as a regular part of WHS compliance.
In practice:
Emergency! Fire in the studio
A small ceramics studio experienced a fire from overheated equipment. It is owned by a self-employed artist, who makes the space available for other artists and creatives.
The studio’s emergency plan includes quick evacuation, and clear roles for those working in the studio.
The plan ensures the fire is extinguished promptly, and there are no injuries.
Afterward, the owner adds safety training for everyone who works in the studio and reorganises the workspace to reduce risks.
Step 5 — Keep training records
Keep training records, including:
- Details of training sessions and drills
- Changes to plans and other documentation
Keeping safety records is an important part of complying with WHS laws.
Keep learning:
More in this section:
Creating a safe workplace
Safe workplaces keep the arts thriving for everyone. Workplace safety is also the law.
Work health and safety roles and duties
Find out what you need to know to meet your legal obligations and create a safe environment for workers, contractors, volunteers and patrons.
WHS consultation: Talking about safety
Work health and safety consultation means talking and listening to workers about health and safety issues.
Managing hazards and risks
Identifying hazards and taking proactive steps to manage risks creates safer work environments, prevents injuries and helps workplaces meet their legal obligations. It is crucial for every creative workplace.
The positive duty to prevent sexual and sex-based harassment
Busineses and organisations have a legal obligation to take steps to prevent sexual harassment or sex-based harassment from happening. This is called a positive duty.
Worker safety training
All workers need workplace safety training – whether they are new to the job or highly experienced.
Safety reporting, monitoring and record keeping
Understanding how to report, monitor and record safety issues helps prevent accidents, meet legal obligations and support everyone in the workplace.
Workers compensation insurance
Workers compensation insurance covers workers and organisations financially if a worker is injured or ill because of work.
Getting help with work health and safety
Check with the WHS regulator in your state or territory for requirements that are specific to your workplace. WHS laws are generally consistent across Australia, but they can sometimes vary depending on where you are.
