Get A Free Quote
1300 007 782
Call Us On:
1300 007 782Menu
G10/RMS Accredited
Competitive Rates
ZERO Accidents or Injuries
25+ years combined experience
50+ years combined experience
Competitive Rates
G10/RMS Accredited
ISO Certified
Natural disasters can strike anywhere, and industrial sites are no exception. These sites produce, store and distribute goods. And when extreme weather events affect them, it can result in power failures and equipment damage that impact the whole supply chain. As natural disasters increase around the world, industries such as manufacturing and agriculture are feeling the effects.
In Australia, extreme weather events, including floods, bushfires and cyclones, are common. With mining, manufacturing, construction and agriculture among Australia’s biggest industries, it’s essential for industrial sites to prepare for disasters of all types, including those that come from nature at its full force.
SSTC has helped many businesses meet strict safety protocols, adhere to legal regulations and prepare for worst-case scenarios. Our security consultants can create site-specific safe work method statements (SWMS) that cover all aspects of a safety protocol, including natural disasters.
If you’re wondering what you can do immediately to prepare your industrial site for a natural disaster, here’s the SSTC guide.
In Australia, there are several kinds of natural disasters that commonly occur due to the country’s wide variation in landscapes and climate. The disasters most likely to strike at industrial sites include:
Australia’s hot, dry climate and prolonged periods of drought create fertile conditions for bushfires, which risk the lives of workers, disrupt supply chains and cause permanent damage to both machinery and infrastructure. Australia is the most bushfire-prone country on Earth, experiencing between 45,000 and 60,000 of these events annually.
Floods are a major problem for individuals, communities and infrastructure across Australia. In 2022, the devastating Eastern Australian floods generated an industry loss of US$4.7 billion. Floods can damage facilities, materials, and electrical systems, disrupt road and rail access to the site, and cause extended shutdown periods due to cleanup.
Australia experiences approximately 11 cyclones each year, although fewer than half of those typically make landfall. Cyclones damage property and infrastructure, and disrupt services such as power and communication. They can cause extended delays in industries such as mining, gas, oil, and shipping.
Although they can occur anywhere in the country, heatwaves and droughts are more likely to happen in inland locations than coastal ones. Heatwaves negatively impact worker health, raising the risk of fatigue and heat-related illnesses. They also raise the risk of fire and equipment failure due to overheating. Australia’s dry, arid conditions, especially in remote areas, make heatwaves an always-present danger.
Whether you run an industrial site or any other kind of business in Australia, it’s important to prepare for all emergencies: natural, human-created and technological. Preparing an industrial site for a worst-case scenario in the event of a natural disaster involves a strategic mix of planning, training, investment in infrastructure, and ongoing risk management. Some important measures to take are:
Insurance can cover your losses if a natural disaster interrupts your operation. However, you have to read the terms and conditions carefully and check all definitions through a legal lens—even terms like “flood” can vary among insurers. If you already have insurance, check that it covers you for natural disasters.
Choose wisely when it comes to selecting a location for your business, and make sure it’s well-maintained. Use available records and data to determine which natural disasters are most likely in the area and compensate in any way you can (e.g. by building fire and flood-resistant buildings).
A risk assessment is a necessary step on any worksite. Take an honest, in-depth look at the potential risks and vulnerabilities of your industrial site. This includes taking into account factors such as the physical layout of your site, its structural resilience, and its proximity to risk factors like water and wooded areas.
Do everything in your power to disaster-proof your industrial site and its vital infrastructure. Keep key equipment at a safe height in case of flooding and install drainage systems. Use fire-resistant materials, install sprinklers and clear vegetation around buildings.
No matter your industry, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies and disasters. Put together a safety plan for common natural disasters like fires and floods, and make sure you include natural disasters in your Safe Work Method Statement. Provide regular training and mock drills so everyone on the team knows how to respond in a worst-case scenario.
A strong emergency management plan prepares your business for all kinds of disruptions and emergencies, including natural disasters. Some essential steps for dealing with natural disasters on industrial sites include:
This is a huge part of the process that includes all of the steps outlined in the previous section. Conduct a risk assessment, prepare the infrastructure, secure essential equipment, and make sure you have emergency supplies and systems in place. Make sure all staff members are trained in how to respond in emergencies and know the drill.
Trigger site alarms and emergency alerts while deploying emergency response team leaders to key locations on your site.
Ensuring your own safety and the safety of your staff and others in the vicinity is the most important consideration. Evacuate your employees and shelter them depending on the disaster. Make sure all personnel are accounted for.
If time allows for it, power down all your machinery and isolate utilities (gas, chemicals, etc.) to prevent secondary hazards from occurring.
Make sure emergency services such as firefighters and paramedics have access to the site, and use your designated liaisons to maintain communication during the emergency response process.
Once the disaster has passed, wait for official clearance before you re-enter the site. Inspect the equipment and utilities for damage and check for potential hazards, such as fire risks and chemical spills. Communicate with your staff, their families and your community about the next steps you plan to take. Make sure you record all damage and the actions taken to mitigate it so you can notify your insurance company and regulators as necessary.
SSTC’s industrial services in Sydney are tailored to meet the specific needs, requirements and documentation of each individual work site. With a well-trained team highly experienced in all levels of industrial services, we pride ourselves on safety, efficiency and professional service.
SSTC creates and develops site-specific safe work method statements, risk assessments and other site-specific mandates and permits. Our industrial services combine confined space management, gas detection and monitoring, and emergency/first response teams in the event of dangerous situations. With over 50 years of combined experience, we uphold the highest levels of safety, enabling your business to prepare for and minimise the damage from any emergency.
To get your free quote from the SSTC team, call 1300 007 782 or contact us online.
