Released On 19th Sep 2021
Emergencies and disasters can strike at any moment. It is critical to be prepared for them
It’s important for both individuals and organisations alike to prepare for emergency situations, disasters and health risks that could occur in their everyday environments. Emergencies and disasters can happen when they are least expected. Therefore, it is crucial for employees to be prepared for a variety of workplace emergencies (eg fires, chemical spills and natural disasters) to keep everyone safe.
It’s important to know how to react to a potential emergency before it occurs. Employees should be aware of the following workplace emergency response information:
- Protocols for reporting fires and other workplace emergencies
- Evacuation procedures and escape route assignments
- Special procedures for shutting down critical operations (if applicable)
- Emergency rescue and medical duties (if applicable)
- Next steps after an evacuation
When developing emergency plans, employers should consider appointing an emergency response coordinator. If you are given this role in the workplace, you may be tasked with the following duties:
- Determining potential emergencies and the necessary precautions for them
- Coordinating a variety of different emergency response activities
- Ensuring external services (eg the fire brigade or police) are properly notified when an emergency occurs
- Directing workplace shutdowns (if necessary)
Emergency response coordinators should also be trained on how to respond to different hazards. Training topics may include fire extinguisher operations, first aid, CPR, chemical spill protocols and search-and-rescue procedures.
Overall, all employees must be aware of the types of emergencies that could impact the workplace and know how to respond to these incidents safely. For more information on preparing for workplace emergencies, consult your supervisor.