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Workplace Emergencies |
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – the nation’s experts on responding to tornadoes, floods and hurricanes – recommends that all American businesses establish and implement an emergency response plan. It’s a safe bet that employers who are put out of business by natural disasters wish they had given some thought to preparing for them. When lives and valuable property are at stake, there’s no such thing as too much preparedness.
In these times of heightened homeland security and warnings of possible terrorist attacks, all employers need to develop an emergency response plan and train their employees so they will know what to do if a crisis occurs. FEMA experts say it’s crucial in an emergency that employees know their roles and where they are to go for safety. This knowledge can prevent panic and unnecessary mishaps – and save lives. To establish an effective emergency response plan, here’s what G.Neil recommends:
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Develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan
The American Red Cross says your workplace emergency preparedness plan should cover your people, your property, and your operational procedures. First, think carefully about your workplace. How many employees are in your various facilities or offices? Do you regularly have vendors, applicants and other visitors in your building? What kinds of machinery, equipment or chemicals do you have that could become hazards in an emergency? Developing an emergency preparedness plan will help keep everyone safe in an emergency.
Think about all the places employees can go to evacuate the premises. Are all these areas clearly marked with exit signs? Is every employee aware of the locations of all the exits? Do you have enough fully stocked first aid kits? Are they readily accessible to everyone?
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Keep Employees Informed and Alert
Protecting people is the first order of business in any emergency. Ensure that your employees are aware of your plan by reviewing it with them and training them to respond correctly when the unexpected happens. Emphasize the key points, and be sure to point out where all fire extinguishers, emergency exits and first aid kits are.
Keep employees constantly informed of critical first aid techniques with G.Neil’s CPR Lifesaving Poster and Fast Aid Poster. Post an Evacuation Board to clearly illustrate all the routes out of the building.
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Employee Education Is Your Company’s Shield
A well-educated employee is a safe employee, and well-trained employees who take the right actions in an emergency can shield your business from disaster. Their effective response to an emergency makes it easier to resume business once the crisis has passed. Implementing an emergency action plan also allows your employees to feel more secure and stay focused on the business at hand.
G.Neil can help you offer your employees comprehensive information in an easy-to-read booklet format that provides complete emergency procedures. Creating such a booklet doesn’t have to be a daunting task; just click here for more information.
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