Emergency Plan in the Workplace

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

Do you have a plan in place in case of an emergency at your workplace?

In the initial minutes of an emergency the first actions taken are critical. Prompt warnings to others to evacuate, shelter or lockdown can save lives. Knowing what information to relay to emergency dispatchers will help get the right responders and equipment to you.

The first priority of an emergency is life safety. The second is to stabilize the incident. Many actions can be taken to stabilize the incident and minimize potential damage. First aid, use of fire extinguishers, containment of small chemical spills all can help in preventing further damages. Having employees trained in first aid and who can perform CPR can be lifesaving. Employees who have knowledge of the building and its process systems can help if there is a leak or electrical malfunction and can help minimize damage.

A risk assessment should be done to identify potential emergency scenarios. It will help to determine what resources are needed and to help develop plans and procedures to prepare your business. Developing an emergency plan protects employees, visitors, contractors and anyone else on the premises.  One part of the plan should include “protective actions for safety” which includes building evacuations, sheltering from severe weather such as tornadoes, and shelter in place from an exterior airborne hazard.

Some weather events are forecast hours ahead of their arrival, providing valuable time to protect your facility. An established plan and resources should be on hand to prepare the facility.  The plan should also include a process for damage assessment, salvage, protection of undamaged property and cleanup.