If you need emergency services, please phone 000 or speak to your manager.
Our sites vary in size, location and in the activities that happen at each one, so every site has a plan in place to manage an emergency if it happens.
If you’re working on an Australia Post site, you’ll receive information about the site’s emergency response plan. In the event of an emergency, you will be required to follow the process and instructions from wardens managing the site.
Wardens manage the response to an emergency. They’re trained in their role and are familiar with the emergency response plan and evacuation plan for their site.
Depending on the size of your site, you may have several wardens with different roles. You can identify the wardens and their roles by the colour of their safety helmet, or the title on it:
- White helmet – Chief Warden. They lead the emergency response, communicate with emergency services, direct wardens and make the decision on when the situation is under control
- Yellow helmet – Floor/area/zone Warden. They implement the emergency response, coordinating wardens and directing others to help wardens where necessary
- Red helmet – Warden. They tell people to prepare for evacuation, if required and check the evacuation route. They also account for all people in their area
- Green helmet – First Aiders. They provide first aid to injured workers or visitors, and advise the wardens of any emergency services needed
When you start working at a new site, you’ll be provided with information about your site’s emergency management plan and the evacuation plan, including the exit route and assembly area.
The evacuation diagram is displayed on an onsite noticeboard, so check it to make sure you’re familiar with it.
You must also:
- follow the directions given by wardens and emergency services workers
- keep emergency exits and access to emergency equipment clear
- report any damage to fire protection or emergency equipment
In some emergency situations, you’ll be asked to leave or evacuate the building. This is usually done if the wardens believe there is a risk to you if you stay in the building.
The wardens will instruct you about when to go, which exit to use, and where to assemble once evacuated. An assembly point is identified as part of the emergency management plan. You’ll need to stay at the assembly point until you receive further instructions from a warden.
All sites have regular emergency drills including evacuation and/or lockdowns. It’s important to take all drills seriously and to follow any instructions from the wardens.
If you have a mobility, hearing, vision or other impairment, such as anxiety, and you need assistance during an emergency or drill, make sure your manager knows so that the wardens or person in charge of the emergency response can help you.
It’s also recommended that you complete the Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) available through the Australia Post Intranet.
Lifts and escalators should not be used in fire-related emergencies, unless specific approval is given. They may be used in other situations, where the building structure or electricity is not threatened, but wait to be told by the person managing the evacuation.
Ask the visitors and customers to follow the same instructions that you’re following, which may include evacuating the building and moving to the assembly point.
After the incident, you may be allowed to return to the workplace if it is safe to do so. The incident will be reviewed and anyone who was involved may be offered support or counselling, through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Workforce Assistance Program (for contractors and our extended workforce).
