Get Work ready

Disaster can strike at any time, including during business hours. Workplaces that are not prepared for an emergency situation, along with subsequent financial and personal losses, may not be able to continue trading. Preparing an emergency plan will help keep people as safe as possible. Follow the simple steps below to put together a workplace emergency plan. 

List the following information:

1. How to evacuate your workplace and where staff should assemble
2. How to shut off services like gas and electricity
3. A list of trained first aiders
4. Emergency contact details for all staff
5. A list of emergency supplies
6. Remember to get input from your staff

Now you have a workplace emergency plan the next step is to ensure your staff are familiar with it. Encourage your staff to keep a supply of essential items they may need at work. Staff may also like to develop a personal workplace emergency plan.

• Essential items

Essential items

Water

Waterproof clothing and sturdy walking shoes

Torch

Snack food

Cellphone

Business continuity preparation is vital if your organisation is to survive a disaster or emergency situation. A continuity plan will help your business to adjust to altered circumstances and minimise risk to operations.

• Risk identification
  Identify possible risks and how they would impact on your business
  
  
• Create disaster contingency plans
  Develop a comprehensive contingency plan for your whole business, including staff, information, assets, customers, suppliers and distribution channels
  
  
• Be responsive
  Focus on training that will prepare leaders to adapt quickly to changes resulting from a disaster. Develop a plan to ensure staff are equipped with the skills needed to stay healthy and engaged
  
  
• Build relationships
  A strong network will be crucial in a disaster situation. Look at building relationships with central and local government, other businesses, plus non-governmental and community organisations (NGOs)