The nature of an emergency is that it is sudden and causes damage to property or loss of lives. The unpredictability of any emergency case is why different industries invest in training, equipment, and even insurance to protect their assets. And while some safety measures are already standard for any establishment, it’s best to have an emergency action plan in place. In reports by the HSE, 610,000 workers are injured annually between 2017-2020. And with the present global crisis, things got a little bit more challenging. Let’s take a look at the 5 reasons workplace emergency action plans are important.
Workplace Emergency Action Plan: 5 Essential Reasons
An emergency action plan is a set of necessary steps designed to protect employees in the workplace and minimize damage caused by unforeseeable circumstances. It is backed by investigation on other possible hazards and is usually tailored to a specific industry, with considerations such as location and weather conditions. It is ideally structured similarly to an instruction manual, except this time, there are lives at stake.
1. An emergency action plan will protect your employees.
The enemies of an emergency are panic and unpreparedness. Steps like evacuation, assigning of roles, and emergency routes will keep employees guided in an emergency.
2. An emergency action plan will have operational contingencies.
Some customers see emergencies as an internal matter and still expect timely and quality services. An emergency action plan considers the customers since the possible effects on operational efficiency are included in the mitigation.
3. An emergency action plan includes immediate emergency provisions that insurance or government agencies may take time to provide.
Insurance is an effective supplement to any emergency planning, but like any organization, the process may take some time. An effective emergency action plan will have resources and aid ready for immediate use giving your employees ease of mind.
4. An emergency action plan keeps customers and stakeholders updated on any developments.
Customers and stakeholders are an essential part of any business, and it is only natural to keep them updated in an emergency. This is also an effective way of controlling public perception resulting in maintaining public trust.
5. An emergency action plan protects the business.
Most businesses no longer reopen after suffering loss due to an accident. An emergency action plan has measures in place to prepare a business during trying times with enough leeway to recover.
How To Create A Workplace Emergency Action Plan
An emergency action plan is tailored to fit the needs of the company. Here are some tips:
- Have your business analyzed so you can identify the potential hazards you will be facing.
- Consider all aspects, including weather conditions, structural integrity, products used, and location.
- Always get the basics down like evacuation, assigning of roles, and communication techniques.
- Always include a plan for the effects of an emergency like aid and resources so you can calculate the cost.
- Assign point persons in an emergency and assign roles for other individuals.
- Make sure you have simple, clear, and easy-to-read steps when dealing with an emergency.
- Make sure your evacuation paths are ready for any emergency.
- Give proper training if necessary, in the case of fire and other emergencies.
- Put safety measures in place when dealing with potentially hazardous materials.
- Always be prepared for data loss and find ways for backup and recovery.
- Position people with a medical background so they are ready when needed.
- Also have the best trauma kits for major injuries
Conclusion
An emergency action plan for the workplace is designed to keep employees safe and maintain a company’s integrity. Although emergencies are beyond our control, it is crucial to anticipate and manage what is already within our control. The best way to face an emergency is through knowledge and preparation.