V.SMA.2008 - SAFEMEAT Crisis Response Training and Simulation

Summary

SAFEMEAT provides strategic input and advice on the meat safety systems that are in place throughout the production supply chain. Aligned with its remit, SAFEMEAT may also be required to play a role in crisis response, with key responsibilities for SAFEMEAT outlined within the SAFEMEAT Incident Response Manual.

This project was initiated to conduct a crisis response simulation to test the SAFEMEAT Incident Response Manual, and to identify any recommendations for improving SAFEMEAT's process for the regular review and testing of the Incident Response Manual and SAFEMEAT’s crisis response processes.

Objectives

The objectives of this project were:

• Practice and build SAFEMEAT’s capability to respond to a Level 3 incident.
• Review the incident response arrangements, structure and processes.
• Establish and enhance relationships within the SAFEMEAT incident response structure.
• Identify improvement opportunities for the SAFEMEAT Incident Response Manual.

Key findings

The SAFEMEAT Crisis Response Simulation project has provided valuable insights into the level of understanding and awareness of each SAFEMEAT partners’ role in the SAFEMEAT Incident Response Manual, and of the Incident Response Manual in the context of a crisis or incident in the red meat and livestock sector. Training sessions and regular briefings over the course of this project have proven to be of value for SAFEMEAT members. The direct engagement methodology used by the project team, in conjunction with the project design has proven to be effective in achieving success against the project milestones.

Observations and insights from the project indicate that much work needs to be done in relation to building capacity within SAFEMEAT members around the IRM. However, it is reasonable to anticipate that this objective will be met with the implementation of this report’s recommendations and roadmap steps.

Recommendations from this project will inform how ongoing capacity and understanding can be maintained within SAFEMEAT and its members and crucially, will also provide greater clarity on SAFEMEAT’s role in a crisis or incident, and in what types of incidents SAFEMEAT has a role.

Benefits to industry

The SAFEMEAT Crisis Response Simulation project has provided valuable insights into the level of understanding and awareness of each SAFEMEAT partners’ role in the SAFEMEAT Incident Response Manual, and the role of the SAFEMEAT Incident Response Manual in the context of a crisis or incident in the red meat and livestock sector.

Training sessions and regular briefings over the course of this project have proven to be of value for SAFEMEAT members. The direct engagement methodology used by the project team, in conjunction with the project design proved effective in achieving success against the project milestones.

MLA action

Recommendations from this project and the roadmap for their implementation will be provided to SAFEMEAT for consideration and action.

Future research

A small annual budget will be allocated under the SAFEMEAT product group to facilitate regular training in the SAFEMEAT IRM and to implement the enhancements to processes that were identified through this project.