Monitor business recovery using a checklist

Once a crisis has passed and it is safe to return to your premises, there are a number of steps you may need to take.

Why you should use a checklist

Having key actions written down means you don't need to spend time trying to remember important steps. Checklists also support task delegation.

As part of your recovery plan, a checklist can support your assessment of the extent of any damage after a crisis and help you monitor the recovery process.

This checklist supports you to customise the checklist in your business continuity plan.

Download the business continuity plan template

This template includes a recovery section.

Complete the checklist to identify the actions your business should take in the event of a crisis, incident or emergency, then complete the recovery section in the template.

Download the business continuity planning template.

Crisis and recovery checklist

Details of the crisis

Record details of any injured people, including staff, customers and other members of the public.

Photograph or record damage to buildings, equipment, company vehicles and stock.

Record impact on your business functions.

Record any anticipated damage to your business's reputation.

Update staff

Conduct a critical incident debrief within 48 hours (preferably within 24 hours) following a crisis.

Hold a meeting with your staff to ask them about their reactions to the crisis. Your staff may need time and space to process their thoughts and feelings. Encourage deeply affected staff to seek support from other staff members or from counselling services and remember to monitor progress in the months following a crisis.

Inform staff about the recovery process and schedule regular updates.

Advise staff about colleagues (with their permission) who may be injured.

Keep staff informed about what is expected of them.

Advise staff whether they should turn up for work the next day.

Reassure staff about job security.

Contact your insurer

Contact your insurance company to make a claim (before you begin cleaning up and removing goods).

Photograph or record damage to your premises, fixtures, vehicles, stock, customer records and equipment to support claims.

Seek support

Apply for any government support programs to help the recovery of your business after a crisis.

Investigate support that might be available from banks and other businesses (support is often available after a natural disaster).

Tax assistance

Consider contacting the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to find out about assistance available for individuals and businesses affected by natural disasters.

Investigate whether the ATO can fast-track your refund or assistance.

Ask the ATO for extra time to pay any outstanding liabilities.

Request more time to meet activity statement, income tax and other lodgement obligations.

Emotion and crisis support

If appropriate, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for confidential emotional and crisis support.

If appropriate, contact Beyond Blue for depression and anxiety support.

Read the mental health and wellbeing resources for businesses.

Review your recovery processes

Record what you have learned from this crisis.

Review and update your recovery plan.

Review and update your business continuity plan.

Consider and record what went well and what did not.

Consider and record key lessons learned.

Implement changes needed to improve.

Other

Last reviewed: 24 Nov 2022
Last updated: 28 Feb 2023

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