WA businesses urged to implement cyclone preparedness measures

WA Businesses Urged to Implement Cyclone Preparedness Measures

Businesses across North-West coast regions have been advised to review and implement cyclone contingency measures due to the imminent threat posed by Ex-TC Lincoln. WorkSafe is reminding businesses that early action now can reduce hazards and support faster recovery later.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted the system will eventually move towards the west Pilbara coast, potentially intensifying into a cyclone. Organisations operating near Port Hedland and surrounding coastal zones should monitor updates closely and prepare accordingly.

Why Cyclone Preparedness Matters

Acting WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North stressed the importance of establishing and maintaining safe systems of work for individuals operating at sea or on land when a cyclone is on the horizon.

"Under workplace safety and health laws, employers must have adequate plans in place and must provide employees with appropriate training to protect everyone in the workplace when a cyclone threatens," Ms North said.

Safety obligations extend beyond simple planning documents. Businesses must ensure staff understand evacuation routes, secure loose equipment, and identify hazards specific to their site before severe weather arrives. Effective preparation also involves reviewing insurance coverage, since storm damage claims often hinge on documented safety measures taken beforehand.

Key Steps for Business Preparedness

Organisations in North-West Western Australia should consider the following actions ahead of cyclone season:

• Review and update cyclone contingency plans regularly, ensuring they reflect current operations and staffing levels
• Secure or store outdoor equipment that could become a hazard during high winds
• Close doors and windows on all buildings before a storm makes landfall
• Create a business emergency kit stocked with essential supplies and communication tools
• Train staff on emergency procedures so everyone understands their role during a cyclone
• Identify structural hazards on-site and address them before cyclone season begins

These steps align with broader efforts seen in other jurisdictions, where Auckland businesses have been urged to protect workers during floods through similar readiness planning. Comparable guidance has also been issued to help Queensland businesses protect workers during extreme heat, reinforcing a national pattern of proactive workplace safety measures across varying climate-related emergencies.

Equipment and Site Safety Considerations

Heavy equipment left unsecured poses serious hazards during cyclonic winds. Businesses operating machinery, forklifts, or other mobile equipment should relocate or anchor these assets well ahead of predicted landfall.

Similar equipment safety principles apply across industries, as highlighted when Victorian businesses were urged to prioritise forklift safety, demonstrating that proactive equipment management supports overall workplace protection regardless of the hazard type.

Recovery efforts following a cyclone often depend on how well equipment and site infrastructure were protected beforehand. Businesses that secure assets properly typically experience a smoother recovery process and reduced downtime.

Where to Find Support and Information

Employers seeking further guidance on cyclone preparedness should contact WorkSafe WA directly or consult available resources online. Additional information covering workplace obligations, safety planning, and support services is available on the WorkSafe WA website.

Businesses can also contact local emergency services for region-specific advice, particularly regarding evacuation routes and community support services near Port Hedland and other exposed coastal locations. For organisations managing operations beyond Australia, similar preparedness principles apply, as outlined in safety documents for New Zealand businesses, which cover comparable emergency planning requirements.

Ultimately, sound cyclone preparedness protects both people and operations. Businesses that plan thoroughly, train staff, secure equipment, and understand available support services stand a far better chance of weathering the storm safely and returning to normal operations quickly.