The occurrence of a serious injury or death in the workplace is a complex and serious situation for businesses, which can have detrimental impacts for various stakeholders if it is not properly managed. For this reason, it is vital that all businesses have a crisis management plan in place.
A range of issues arise at various stages in the aftermath of a crisis. Immediately after the event businesses need to take important steps such as securing the area, notifying the WHS Regulator, interviewing employees, recording facts and contacting the victim’s next of kin. Necessary considerations going forward include making Employee Assistance Program services such as counselling available, conducting investigations properly and dealing with the media. How these processes are to be carried out should be contained in a written crisis management plan.
For further information, or assistance to ensure your business is adequately prepared, contact M+E.
