A guide to emergency action plans

Emergency action planning is the process of setting practical solutions to minimise the impact or occurrence of unforeseen disasters and health hazards at the workplace. It is a ‘what to do’ action plan that educates workers on what to do in the event of a disaster or health hazard.

Emergency action plans

The HR department The human resources department is responsible for the planning process and implementation of emergency action programs such as setting out the fire safety plan. Procedure These programs are emergency evacuation procedures in the event of hazards like fire, explosion or flood. Workers are educated on how to put out fire using fire-fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, the marking of evacuation routes and exits, and how to react to work-related injuries and/or deaths. The planning process involves training workers on what to do and what not to do in the event of a life-threatening disaster. First aid medical clinic Health hazards such as illness at the workplace can be managed through introducing a first aid medical clinic at the workplace itself and the provision of medical aid facility to employees. Emergency action plan is also used to guard company assets from risks like theft, by engaging security company services and taking out insurance to cover employees against risks like fire and its consequences.

Why emergency planning?

Goodwill of company Emergency planning promotes peace of mind to both employees and employers against unforeseen work-related disasters and health hazards. It enables business continuity when a disaster occurs by preventing or minimising injuries and/or death to workers through a well-planned evacuation program and loss to assets by an insurance company. It maintains the goodwill of the company as well as promoting employees’ loyalty, morale and commitment. Employees are motivated through emergency planning because they feel protected when an unfortunate event occurs. It also addresses unforeseen work-related disasters, hence reducing their impact and damage when they occur. It saves lives and company assets when an unfortunate event occurs. Requirement Emergency planning is a compliance requirement to all companies. It can be implemented through the Occupational Safety and Health Act by the Ministry of Labour. The life of employees can be saved and the continuity of business is enhanced by having an emergency operational plan template in place to respond to emergency strikes.