Experts from Australian campus help train Curtin Sarawak safety and security personnel

Miri – 11 December 2013 – Security experts from Curtin University’s main campus at Bentley in Perth, Western Australia were in Miri recently to conduct specialised training for safety and security personnel of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak), the university’s largest international campus.

The 3-day training workshop conducted by investigation consultant Gordon MacDonald of Curtin’s Professional Standards and Conduct Unit (PSCU) and the head of security at Curtin Bentley, Sean Daly, was aimed at developing a highly competent security team at Curtin Sarawak capable of handling a wide range of issues encountered in a university environment.

It consisted of three sessions of theoretical and practical learning and included topics such as ‘First Response’ involving the responsibilities of individuals, conducting risk assessment, scene preservation, records and note taking and post event tasks; and ‘Physical Security’ covering the identifying of physical risks, awareness, individual safety, and the occupational, health and safety aspects of operations.

Apart from that, the sessions also included essential communication skills such as verbal and non-verbal communication and conflict identification and management.

According to PSCU investigation consultant Deb Chard, who advises Curtin Sarawak on security and critical incident management issues, the PSCU staff in Perth are comprised mainly of Australian ex-police personnel and trained investigators and efforts are being made to impart as much of their knowledge and skills as possible to their counterparts in Sarawak. This includes the sending of Curtin Sarawak staff members to Curtin Bentley for further safety and security training.

In the past, Curtin Sarawak’s security personnel have attended workshops on conflict management and further ongoing training on first aid and self defence will be conducted on campus.

In addition, the university’s Office of Staff and Student Affairs conducts ongoing campaigns to raise awareness of health and safety issues amongst its over 3,500 students and over 400 staff.

“Our team of health and safety professionals provides advice and assistance in the implementation of the university’s health and safety system. It consists of professionals with a variety of safety experience and from a range of health professional backgrounds and we work in collaboration with our staff, students, contractors and visitors to provide services of the highest standard to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all,” said Director of Staff and Student Affairs Dr. Adeline Wong.

Investigation consultant Gordon MacDonald of Curtin University’s PSCU.

Sean Daly, Head of Security at Curtin Bentley.

Curtin Sarawak safety and security staff attending the workshop.