An emergency can happen at any time, particularly in the workplace where multiple people come together. A person might trip over a cord and have a minor accident, or there could be a major crisis that affects every person in the building. Every business owner must prepare for these situations to ensure their safety. What are some common workplace emergencies? What procedures should be in place to respond to these emergencies?
Fires
Workplace emergency procedures should address what employees must do in a fire. A fire can start and spread rapidly, putting people at risk of injury or death. Employees must remain calm and evacuate the building following a plan they have practiced. Fire drills shouldn’t be just for schools. Someone needs to activate a fire alarm to alert first responders, and people need to exit using the stairways. Elevators should never be used when there is a fire in the building. As people exit the building, they should gather in a safe place and make certain everyone is accounted for. First responders will need this information when they arrive.
Medical Emergencies
Any person can suddenly have a medical emergency. The response of those around them could be the difference between life and death. Always have first aid supplies on hand and consider having all employees trained in this care. People need to remain calm and call for help while someone works on the individual having the emergency. Don’t crowd around them, but remain nearby to help if needed.
Natural Disasters
A natural disaster may strike without warning, or people could have advance notice. In either situation, employees should know what steps to take. These steps differ based on the type of disaster. Emergency preparedness plans should be in place for any potential disaster, and these plans should be practiced regularly so all employees know exactly what to do. Everyone is more likely to remain calm when they know what steps to take to protect themselves.
Chemical Spills
A chemical spill can happen anywhere hazardous materials are present. When one occurs, alert the appropriate people and evacuate the area. Trained professionals should be on hand to respond to the spill and contain it. They may also neutralize the hazard if they have been trained in how to do so or wait for emergency responders to handle this task.
Workplace Violence
Many individuals today are the victims of workplace violence. This violence may come in the form of physical altercations, harassment, or threats. An attack may be anticipated based on a person’s behaviour, or it could come unexpectedly. Prevention measures are needed to reduce the risk of this violence. If an employee has concerns about a co-worker, they should report these concerns to human resources or the management team. Saying something could protect individuals from harm.
Terrorism
Terrorism is a concern for most people today because these attacks typically happen with no forewarning. Business owners need to invest in security measures to mitigate these risks. Employee training will also help individuals recognize suspicious behavior so it can be addressed before an attack occurs.
A workplace should be safe for all employees. Business owners must be proactive and prepare for various emergencies. Those that do find these situations are less of a concern, as all employees know what to do and will respond promptly.
