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Simulated attack at workplace drives home importance of preparedness for companies and employees

Workplace safety and health
  1. More than 80 representatives from the 14-member Bedok Safety Group (BSG) witnessed a simulated terror attack that played out today at the premises of Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Devices Singapore. The simulated attack involved an intruder who rode past the factory entrance and threw a Molotov cocktail into its Liquid Petroleum gas (LPG) storage area. This caused an explosion that led to a fire. The exercise tested the response capabilities of Panasonic’s Company Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT demonstrated ability to render first aid to the injured and mitigated the fire before the arrival of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force who secured and managed the scene.
  2. This exercise showcased the growing importance of the SGSecure movement at workplaces, which are not spared from the threat of terrorism. Terror attacks have the potential to disrupt business continuity and severely affect employees’ morale. It is important that employers are aware of how to prevent and respond to such attacks.
  3. “The threat of terrorism is very real. Workplaces and their employees need to be prepared to handle such crises and recover quickly from it. During peacetime, we should take the opportunity to enhance our response plans, address all possible gaps and share best practices among the community of like-minded organisations. We must also strengthen the cohesiveness in our workforce so that we can continue to preserve our strong sense of unity in the face of terror attacks.” said Mr Steven Tan, Chairman of BSG, a voluntary workgroup made up of 14 member companies with interest in safety.
  4. “We have always made it a point to keep our SOP (standard operating procedure) robust and this exercise serves as a great opportunity to experience the action first-hand. Witnessing the “terror attack” unfold before our eyes will enable us to take note of areas which we may not have considered before. At Panasonic, we aim to identify any operational gaps and strengthen counter-terrorism efforts by proposing security initiatives which can be implemented to enhance workplace safety and safeguard the community”, said Mr Mohamed Shahril Bin Hj Jaffer, Manager of plant engineering, environment, health and safety at Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Devices Singapore.

    Raising Preparedness of Workplaces
  5. MOM urges employers to be part of the SGSecure movement and plan for business continuity to mitigate any potential disruptions and recover more quickly when an incident strikes. Premise owners can take steps to protect their premises by installing CCTVs, having adequate perimeter fencing and proper access controls. Employers are also encouraged to send personnel for relevant training in emergency preparedness, and to acquire skills such as Improvised First Aid Skills (IFAS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and using the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Such skills are critical to ensure ready assistance are available to affected colleagues till the authorities arrive. Employees should also familiarise themselves with their surroundings, for example, the nearest escape routes, suitable hiding places and locations of first aid provisions, to facilitate their evacuation and self-preservation.
  6. Companies which want to find out more can go to these online resources: