No matter what the work environment is, or the type of work, Suppliers are to have an emergency response plan in place.
The simplistic approach is - If an incident occurs, do not let it escalate and make the situation worse because there is not an effective emergency plan in place. What will the potential impact be on people if failure to take any preventative actions or steps to prepare for an appropriate emergency response
Optus has an expectation that all Suppliers will know how to respond to an emergency should one arise. It is essential for all Suppliers to prepare and provide a timely response to an emergency.
To effectively prepare and respond to an emergency, it is important to understand what an emergency situation will look like. There are differing types of emergency situations that may arise depending on the type of site and location you are working.
In any emergency, the key priority is the safety of people and the preservation of human life. The primary objective of emergency preparedness and response is to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, the access to first responders and emergency services.
Details of potential emergency situations and response procedures for Optus work locations are to be made available to workers accessing the location.This information is required to be provided by the persons or group with control of work location. This is be communicated to all workers in accordance with the Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination Code of Practice.
Emergency response plans must be incorporated into the Suppliers safety management plans. The response plan must describe the arrangements, responsibilities and actions that will be taken in emergency or evacuation situation. They also generally include work location contact numbers of first responders, emergency services and key personnel.