1. Purpose
This policy describes how [Organisation Name] prepares for, responds to, and recovers from emergencies and disasters affecting participants, workers, premises, or operations. It supports NDIS Practice Standard 2.9.
2. Scope
Applies to all sites, services, and participants of [Organisation Name].
3. Risk Identification
The organisation assesses likely emergencies including fire, flood, severe weather, prolonged power loss, pandemic, cyber incident, supply-chain disruption, and active-threat situations. Risks are documented in the emergency risk register.
4. Emergency Plans
4.1 Organisational Plan
- The organisation maintains a written emergency plan covering communications, evacuation, shelter-in-place, business continuity, and recovery
- Emergency contacts (workers, participants, families, emergency services, utilities) are kept current
- The plan is exercised at least annually
4.2 Participant Plans
- Each participant has an emergency plan capturing their specific support needs during an event (mobility, medical, communication, sensory)
- Plans are reviewed at least annually and after any incident
- Plans are accessible to support workers
5. Response
- Workers know their role and the chain of command during an emergency
- The participant's safety is the first priority; evacuation routes and shelter locations are identified at the start of each shift on new sites
- Emergency services are contacted as required
- A central contact point coordinates communications with families and stakeholders
6. Continuity and Recovery
- Critical supports are identified and prioritised
- Backup arrangements (alternate sites, alternate workers, mutual-aid agreements) are documented
- After-action reviews are conducted within two weeks of any major event
- Improvements are added to the emergency plan
7. Worker Training
- All workers complete emergency awareness training at induction
- Site-specific evacuation training is provided
- Drills are conducted at least annually for fire and at least biennially for other major risks
8. Records
Emergency plans, drill records, training records, and after-action reviews are retained for 7 years.
9. Related Policies
- Risk Management Policy
- Safe Environment Policy
- Incident Management Policy
- Information Management Policy (for cyber emergencies)
10. Review
Reviewed annually or after a significant emergency event.
This template is provided by GuardRail as general guidance only. Organisations should customise it and have it reviewed by a legal professional before adoption.