As of December 2025, the speed at which a complete on-site list can be generated during an evacuation is directly linked to the implementation and functionality of visitor management systems and adherence to Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations under harmonised WHS frameworks across Australian states and territories.
Currently, many Australian organisations utilise digital visitor management systems that integrate with access control (card readers, turnstiles) and, increasingly, employee sign-in/out processes. These systems maintain a real-time record of individuals on-site, including visitors, contractors, and employees. Generating a report typically takes seconds to minutes, depending on system architecture and data volume. PCBU’s (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) have a legal duty to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace. This now includes maintaining accurate records for emergency situations. Data captured generally includes name, company, time of arrival, and designated location. Some systems now include pre-evacuation roll call functionality, allowing for comparison against the live on-site list. Australian privacy legislation (e.g., the Privacy Act 1988) governs the collection, storage, and use of this data, requiring appropriate security measures and data retention policies. In 2026, further integration with emergency services communication platforms is anticipated to become more common.
Effectively, these systems function by providing a centralised, digitally accessible record of on-site personnel, enabling rapid accountabilty during an emergency.