Medical & Safety Training Resources

"Does your business have an Emergency Plan"

A must read article for employers, employees and business owners

Author: James Gamelin, R.N.

Some may pass it off as Murphy's Law or perhaps it's an outcome of that dreadful day on 9/11. Regardless, now more than ever employers and workers must think about and pre-plan for the unexpected, a fire, injury, violence, or some other emergency which strikes while we're at work.

It wouldn't be normal for most folks to go to work each day contemplating about some emergency or calamity which might strike, but it's an excellent idea for bosses and workers to set time aside and 'pre-plan' for such an unintended event.

The concept of pre-planning for emergencies shouldn't be limited to offices in a high-rise or factories that handle toxic chemicals. In fact, statistics prove that most emergencies, unintended event, occur in traditional workplaces including manufacturing, office and retail settings.

So what exactly is an 'unintended' emergency and what should be done to protect workers, visitors, clients and the other general public?

Unfortunately there's no simple answer or standard formulas but safety professionals all agree upon some basic steps and guidelines that can apply to just about any workplace.

Start with a visual examination of the workplace itself. For example, stand in different locations and pretend that you've never been there before.

  • Step 1: Try to spot the quickest and easiest way to get outside safely. If you can't easily identify at least one exit and a back-up pathway, more work is needed. But that's not all, sometimes you can get to an exit but find that it's blocked or worse yet, the exit is locked. That's an invitation to tragedy.
  • Step 2: Keep the path to exits free and clear and always keep exit doors unlocked during business hours.
  • Step 3: Pre-plan your route and have an alternate plan in case your primary exit route isn't available.
  • Step 4: Work as a team to plan for a meeting spot, a safe distance away and have someone take charge of a head count.

Comprehensive planning for emergencies encompasses many other issues, ranging from the use of fire extinguishers to how to deal with chemical release or serious injuries to workers. But regardless of the type of your business, never assume that someone else will take the lead and be the hero during an emergency. Everyone needs to be an advocate for their own safety. Employers need to involve all employees in this process and to "pre-plan." Always anticipate, 'Murphy's Law' and plan accordingly.



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