Insights & Impacts

COVID-19 is a major risk that has left its mark very quickly, leaving risk managers and boards in the position of having to deal with an unprecedented situation with a lot of uncertainty. One of the major risks for the mining industry is whether they may have to shut down and leave idle major facilities. We’ve already seen forced closures in mines overseas and Australia could be next. Michael Beaumont discusses why boards and risk managers need to prepare today for the possibility of a pandemic related shutdown and idling of sites down the line. His warning is that, in the current environment, calls for facilities to be shut down could come suddenly and traditional hazards remain in addition to new ones, so operators must be prepared.

Those organisations with BCPs in place have been in a stronger position throughout the crisis, argues Stuart Selden

There are many parts of our society who are experiencing tough times right now. The truth is that some were living in difficult circumstances even before COVID-19 struck and the economic downturn and social isolation measures implemented to control the pandemic – while necessary – have only made life harder. FM Global have pledged pandemic relief donations totaling US$1 million worldwide in the communities where our employees work and live. This includes a contribution of AU$75,000 to local nonprofit organisations in Australia.

The fire triangle explains that there are three ingredients for most fires – heat, fuel and an oxidising agent. If you want to control a fire, you reduce the fuel, oxygen or heat. Sprinklers, which are the most commonly used fire protection system, address the heat and fuel legs. But now there’s a new kid on the block, which aims to solve the problem differently: oxygen reduction systems (ORS). Michael Stuckings, Operations Chief Engineer at FM Global Australia explains why caution is needed on oxygen reduction systems.

Facility management technology is evolving swiftly — and so are risk profiles. One of the best ways to ensure we’re harnessing technology’s benefits while mitigating new risks is to ground protection schemes in evidence whenever possible. But as technology and distribution models continue to transform, this can be easier said than done.

With climate risk top of the agenda, directors must ensure their companies are protected during extreme events, says FM Global Operations Chief Engineer Michael Stuckings.

Lynette Schultheis, Operations Manager for FM Global Australia, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains and the importance of routinely evaluating contingency plans to be prepared for and to minimise damage from unexpected events.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has forced unprecedented sudden closings of facilities around the world. This article outlines some important steps to take to help minimise property loss during and after shutting down a facility.

Being resilient means preparing for everything—including infectious disease. The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is disrupting organisations in ways not previously experienced or planned for. What can you do to protect your business?