Potential Regional Risks

Safety Operating Procedure

Purpose

The purpose of this Safety Operating Procedure is to ensure that all visits to the West Coast Wildlife Centre are:

• Safe and well organised.
• Professionally hosted.
• Consistent for all tourism industry groups.
• Informative and representative of the visitor experience.
• Managed appropriately for the risks associated with operating on the West Coast.
• Conducted in a manner that protects visitors, staff, wildlife and the facility.

Safety Briefing

Before commencing the visit, the Team Member should advise visitors to:

• Follow staff instructions.
• Remain within designated visitor areas.
• Do not enter restricted areas.
• Do not touch wildlife unless specifically authorised.
• Keep children supervised.
• Walk rather than run.
• Take care on steps and uneven surfaces.
• Report any hazards, injury or illness immediately.
• Follow emergency evacuation instructions.
• Remain with the group.

Where weather or regional conditions present an increased risk, the host should provide additional information.

Wildlife Safety

The West Coast Wildlife Centre operates around native wildlife and conservation activities.

Visitors must:

• Follow all wildlife interaction instructions.
• Remain behind barriers where provided.
• Not attempt to touch, feed or handle wildlife unless specifically authorised.
• Avoid loud or sudden behaviour around wildlife.
• Not use flash photography where prohibited.
• Keep personal belongings secure.
• Follow staff instructions regarding animal welfare.

Animal welfare takes priority over the visitor experience.

If wildlife behaviour creates a safety concern, staff may temporarily restrict access or alter the visitor experience.

Regional Risk Management

The West Coast presents particular natural-hazard risks. The West Coast Regional Council identifies flooding, landslides, earthquakes and tsunami among the region's natural hazards.

Risk Matrix

Flooding

Flooding is an important regional consideration, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

West Coast emergency information notes that flooding can affect roads and bridges and that people should not attempt to drive through floodwaters.

Procedure

If flooding affects access to the Centre:

1. Check official road and emergency information.
2. Do not instruct visitors to travel through floodwater.
3. Contact the tour operator/group leader.
4. Delay, reschedule or cancel the famil if required.
5. Follow Civil Defence and local authority instructions.
6. Record the decision and reason.

Landslides and Road Slips

The West Coast's steep terrain, high rainfall and seismic activity make landslides a significant regional hazard. Landslides can occur following heavy rainfall or earthquakes and may block roads or isolate communities.

Procedure

Before arrival:

• Check current road conditions.
• Check for reported slips or closures.
• Consider weather forecasts.
• Allow additional travel time.

If a road is affected:

• Do not encourage visitors to bypass road closures.
• Follow NZTA/Waka Kotahi instructions.
• Contact the group leader.
• Consider postponing or rescheduling.

Earthquake Procedure

The West Coast is a seismically active region, including the Alpine Fault. The West Coast Regional Council advises people to Drop, Cover and Hold during an earthquake.

During an earthquake

Staff should:

DROP to the ground.

COVER the head and neck and take shelter under sturdy furniture where possible.

HOLD until the shaking stops.

Visitors should remain calm and follow staff instructions.

After the earthquake

Staff should:

1. Check for injuries.
2. Contact emergency services if required.
3. Check the facility for hazards.
4. Prevent access to damaged areas.
5. Evacuate if required.
6. Assemble visitors at the designated assembly area.
7. Conduct a headcount.
8. Follow Civil Defence instructions.
9. Do not allow visitors to leave if doing so would place them at greater risk.

Tsunami Procedure

Although the Wildlife Centre is inland from the coast, tsunami is a regional consideration when groups are travelling along the West Coast.

The West Coast Regional Council advises that following a long or strong earthquake, people in tsunami-risk areas should move immediately to higher ground or inland rather than waiting for an official warning.

Important principle

LONG OR STRONG – GET GONE.

Staff should:

• Follow official Civil Defence instructions.
• Avoid directing visitors toward coastal areas.
• Account for all members of the group.
• Maintain communication with the group leader.
• Follow evacuation instructions.

Severe Weather

West Coast weather can change rapidly. DOC specifically advises visitors in the Franz Josef area to carry warm and waterproof clothing because conditions can change quickly.

Potential impacts include:

• Heavy rain.
• Strong winds.
• Flooding.
• Reduced visibility.
• Slips.
• Falling branches.
• Road closures.
• Travel delays.

Procedure

The host should monitor conditions before and during a visit where severe weather is forecast.

If conditions deteriorate:

• Review the programme.
• Move visitors indoors where appropriate.
• Delay outdoor components.
• Contact the tour operator if travel is affected.
• Follow official emergency advice.

Medical Emergency

If a visitor becomes ill or injured:

1. Notify the designated staff member.
2. Provide first aid within staff training and capability.
3. Call 111 where emergency medical assistance is required.
4. Keep the group together where practical.
5. Have someone meet emergency services.
6. Record the incident.
7. Notify management.
8. Complete the required incident documentation.

A first-aid kit should be readily accessible and appropriately maintained.

Fire/Evacuation

In the event of fire:

1. Raise the alarm.
2. Call 111.
3. Evacuate immediately.
4. Do not use unsafe routes.
5. Proceed to the designated assembly area.
6. Conduct a headcount.
7. Do not re-enter the building until authorised.

The host should remain with the famil group and assist the group leader with accountability.

Communication Failure

Because the West Coast includes remote areas and road corridors where communications can be disrupted, the emergency plan should consider alternative communication methods.

WorkSafe recommends that emergency planning considers remoteness, communication tools, access difficulties, evacuation routes and the time required for outside assistance.

The Centre should maintain:

• Charged mobile phones.
• Emergency contact numbers.
• Staff contact list.
• Emergency services information.
• Local Civil Defence information.
• Alternative communication arrangements where appropriate.

Staff Authority to Stop a Visit

Any staff member has the authority to stop or modify a visit if they identify a serious or developing safety risk.

Staff should not feel pressured to continue a visit because:

• The group has travelled a long distance.
• The group has a tight itinerary.
• The visit has commercial importance.
• A senior person is attending.
• The group is a VIP or industry partner.

Safety takes priority.

WorkSafe specifically recommends that workers have the authority to stop or change an activity where new or increased natural-hazard risks are identified.

Emergency Information

In the unlikely event of an emergency, your West Coast host will be able to advise you. If you’re unable to reach your host, or your family is un-hosted, please contact emergency services.

In New Zealand, dial 111 (free call) for Police, Fire, Ambulance or Search and Rescue.