Emergencies suddenly and unexpectedly happen. They can have severe consequences that require immediate action.
An emergency response plan outlines the resources, responsibilities and training requirements needed to deal with emergencies in a controlled manner. A plan helps to prevent or reduce casualties, property and environmental damage, and financial loss. It also enables the organization to resume normal business operation more quickly.
Developing and following an emergency preparedness plan
Step 1
Conduct an assessment to identify potential emergency situations (such as fire, natural disasters, chemical leaks, loss of water, electrical supplies, computer malfunctions, work stoppages, etc.) and determine emergency preparedness needs.
Step 2
Identify ways to plan for these situations.
Step 3
Develop a plan:
- Establish an emergency response team with well-defined roles and responsibilities
- Obtain input from managers, workers, OH&S committee/WH&S representative/designate
- Identify roles of all workplace parties, including essential staff such as maintenance and security workers, human resources personnel and senior managers
- Coordinate plan with external resources such as the police, hospitals and utilities
- Provide emergency response training
- Identify and post evacuation routes
- Purchase emergency response equipment
- Post names of workers trained in First Aid
- Post emergency phone numbers
- Develop internal and external communication plans
- Conduct drills and exercises
- Plan for clean up/recovery/salvage
Step 4
Develop general procedures as well as procedures specific to each emergency situation.
Step 5
Review and update the plan regularly based on feedback from the drills as well as changes in personnel, the work environment, work procedures, tools and equipment.
For the purposes of PRIME Practice Incentive requirements you must have:
- An emergency response plan that contains a list of workers who are trained in First Aid, a list of emergency phone numbers and documented evacuation procedures
Need help? 1-709-778-2922 • 1-800-563-9000 • e-mail: prime@whscc.nf.ca
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