PPE supplier's disaster preparedness gets cyclone tested

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE) TRu Brands has maintained a robust emergency management policy — to guide employees through unforeseen events.

“The health and safety of employees — both physical and mental — has always been central to our approach,” TRu Brands’ National Marketing Manager Anthony Leva said. This policy that was put into practice recently for Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which, as Leva explains, was “the first time, outside of the COVID-19 crisis, that our staff have faced a potentially devastating scenario”.

The threats/risks

As the cyclone approached, TRu Brands employees were encouraged to prioritise safety by following local emergency protocols, the company also urging Queensland-based workers to adhere to the Queensland Government’s guidelines and stay home with their families, where possible. In addition, Leva stressed that adhering to established emergency protocols was crucial. “Employers should ensure that families remain safe and that communities can transition from response to recovery smoothly,” Leva said.

Beyond the physical threats of wind and flooding, Leva points out that there is also the risk of bacterial diseases like melioidosis, which often spike due to contaminated water sources in post-cyclone conditions. “All of these factors needed to be considered,” Leva said, highlighting the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness.

When it came to remote work during a natural disaster, Leva emphasised that working from home should only be enforced if the tasks are necessary and safe to do so. With many employees working from cloud-based systems, home becomes the natural place of work for many businesses. However, safety must always remain the top priority.

The solutions

PPE

Once the cyclone passes, Leva said that safety gear can play a critical role during the clean-up process. “PPE is essential in disaster clean-ups,” he said, noting the importance of hand, eye and respiratory protection when searching through debris in low light or hazardous conditions.

Examples of PPE that was available to TRu Brands employees to keep them safe during clean-up included:

• Gloves

GFPR114 gloves were available, which Leva says are “perfect in areas where there is lots of water, [as they include] a liquid resistant barrier to keep hands dry”.

• Gumboots

Gumboots with a penetration-resistant midsole were also available, with a design “to stop debris and sharp objects piercing through the sole”.

• Sun protection

Hi-vis breathable polo shirts with UPF50+ were also available, which Leva says are “perfect for long days in the sun cleaning up”.

Return to work considerations

When it came time to consider return to work after the storm, Leva said his company assessed the severity of the cyclone’s impact before making any decisions. While safety remained the priority, Leva also outlined several of his company’s key considerations, which he believes may be useful to other employers looking to bring their teams back into the office after similar natural disasters:

1. Personal situations: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in these scenarios, Leva said. Employers should have open conversations with employees to understand their unique circumstances. Some may have experienced significant damage, while others may not have been as badly affected.
2. Safety: Ensuring both the employees’ safety and the safety of the workplace environment is essential.
3. Support: Providing adequate support to help employees transition back to the office is crucial, Leva said. This could include allowing extra time for employees to secure their homes and family members. Leva also stressed the importance of mental health support, especially in the aftermath of a natural disaster. “Mental health in emergency situations is a key aspect to consider,” he explained. To this end, TRu Brands partners with MATES in Construction, an organisation that offers a wealth of mental health resources and 24/7 support through their helpline. MATES provides critical services tailored to the construction, mining, energy and manufacturing industries, offering resources to help workers navigate difficult times. “The key is to reach out to your mates and ensure they are safe,” Leva said.

Preparedness and empathy are essential

For Queenslanders, cyclones are a recurrent threat. But by taking comprehensive preparedness steps, offering mental health support and considering the unique challenges of returning to work, Leva says that businesses can help mitigate the impact of natural disasters and ensure the safety and wellbeing of their employees.

His message is clear: “Preparedness and empathy are key to navigating such uncertain and dangerous times. By following best practices and leaning on available resources, employers can guide their teams through the storm and into recovery.”

TRu Brands is a major sponsor of the Safety Construction Summit taking place at the Workplace Health & Safety Show Melbourne, which returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 21–22 May 2025.The Safety Construction Summit will cover critical topics such as site safety, navigating mental health and psychosocial risk factors, managing silica exposure, and construction-specific tools and strategies to create a safer and more efficient workplace. The free event will encourage conversation about shaping a healthier future for the construction industry. More information and free registration for this event can be found at whsshow.com.au.

The MATES in Construction helpline is available 24/7. Please call 1300 642 111.

Top image credit: iStock.com/FrankRamspott. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.