Site Occupation or Sit‐Ins Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

Site occupation or sit‐ins may occur for a variety of reasons. Domestic terrorists or special‐interest groups may seek to stage a public protest, labor disputes may result in employees disrupting work, and local communities or nomadic tribes may seek to publicly illustrate concerns or disagreements with the company by occupying areas, offices, or work spaces. Site occupation or sit‐ins may be peacefully conducted, or may be violent in nature. Durations of occupancy may be short, or may be for long periods of time, especially if personnel cannot be evicted safely.

In the event of a site occupation incident occurring, the following points should be addressed:

Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management and Crisis Response Teams using the SAD CHALETS system.
2. Secure the facility to prevent access by additional unauthorized personnel.
3. Secure areas that are being occupied by unauthorized persons to prevent other areas being invaded. Secure offices, laptops, and sensitive information.
4. Clear the areas of employees, notify personnel of the situation, and avoid mixing staff and authorized persons where possible.
5. Alert the local police and request assistance in order to evict persons.
6. Determine other threats presented by the individuals or groups:
   • To steal information.
   • To sabotage materials, facilities, or equipment.
   • To illicit media attention.
   • To instigate a physical or verbal response from employees or managers.
   • To gain access to sensitive areas, or stage a sit‐in within offices or work sites.
   • To barricade or impede access to areas.
   • To intimidate, threaten, or harm employees.
   • To plant harmful or hazardous materials.
   • To conduct prank activities (disruptive in nature).
7. Passively attempt to escort persons from the area or building. Do not engage in aggressive measures unless essential. Such activities should be undertaken by security staff only.
8. Avoid inflammatory remarks or heated discussions.
9. Ask persons to leave a premises or work site politely; inform them of any laws or regulations they are breaking.
10. Do not discuss company activities, policies, or plans.
11. Record the group's or individual's activities using cameras or closed‐circuit TVs as part of investigation and legal response requirements.
12. Record their activities and note any risks posed to personnel, facilities, or materials.
13. Forward an IMP Risk Assessment Report when possible.