Dealing with Workplace Disasters

When dealing with workplace disasters, there are a number of things you can do to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable. The first step is to plan ahead. Make sure you have first-aid supplies and communication plans ready. Also, make sure you have an employee assistance program. If you are unsure how to handle an emergency, contact an expert.

Preparation

To be prepared for a workplace disaster, managers and employers must assess and prioritize hazards. These hazards may include natural disasters, workplace accidents, or health hazards. For example, if your workplace is in an industrial zone, you may want to prepare for a chemical spill, or prevent the spread of disease.

Workplace disasters occur more frequently than you might expect, but a disaster response plan can protect your business and employees. Developing a plan for a disaster response is a wise investment, especially during the hurricane season, as these storms can happen without warning. The goal is to protect your employees, customers, information, and resources in the event of a disaster.

Prepare your employees for workplace disasters by implementing trainings and education. Training programs are provided by OSHA, and the American Red Cross offers free disaster preparedness training and resources. You can also participate in the Ready Rating Program, which features a 123-point checklist for emergency preparedness. The goal is to improve your readiness score and make it easier for employees to help during disasters.

Communication

During a workplace disaster, your employees will need to know what is happening. Your goal is to restore normalcy, so be a voice of reason and provide accurate information to your employees. You should use several communication channels to get your message across, including company-wide and department-level emails. You can also post messages on the company website or put up signs onsite.

Whenever a disaster happens at work, you must ensure that all employees know what is happening and how to get help. If you do not have special funds for this, you can provide contacts of community centers, churches, and other agencies that may be able to help. Your employees will be naturally motivated to help their coworkers and the community.

The communication process that you have in place should be evaluated after a disaster to ensure that your communications are as effective as possible. If there are gaps in communication, you may need to make some changes to your system. For instance, if a communication blackout occurs, employees will spend more time talking about the crisis rather than doing their jobs. It can have a detrimental impact on employee morale. For this reason, assessing your communications processes is just as important as planning before a disaster.

In a recent case, Cisco Systems accounted for 150 employees in Brussels within 24 hours. The good news is that all of its employees were safe. This is in contrast to the disaster that the company faced in Japan five years ago. It struggled to reach its 1,400 employees. Clearly, Cisco is committed to keeping its employees safe.

Another important area where communication is key is the reporting of hazards. If you don't have a clear reporting system for hazard incidents, you are putting your colleagues' lives in danger. Moreover, you must be as clear and direct as possible when communicating about workplace safety issues. Remember to use an assertive tone. In addition to being concise and direct, you must be sure to listen to the concerns of your colleagues.

First-aid supplies

First-aid supplies are an essential part of any workplace safety program. First-aid kits are necessary for emergencies, and employers should assess the risks of a workplace disaster and make sure they have adequate supplies. First-aid kits can vary in content and size, depending on the number of employees, type of work, and layout of the workplace.

First-aid kits are available for sale at local drugstores and Red Cross offices. For your own personal kit, choose durable, easy-to-open containers that hold enough supplies. For example, plastic tackle boxes make excellent first-aid kits because they are sturdy, lightweight, and provide plenty of space. Also, make sure you are regularly taking a first-aid training class and reviewing your supplies as needed.

In addition to emergency medical kits, workplace first-aid kits should also contain prescription and non-prescription medications. If you're not sure whether to include a specific medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. A full change of clothing is also essential. For those with glasses, consider keeping an extra pair of glasses with the disaster supplies.

As an additional precaution, you should have a set of epi-pens on hand. These are medical supplies that can cause allergic reactions. If an employee has to use one, they should practice using it on a dummy. However, it's best to keep two epi-pens in the workplace at all times, as they can be required in minutes.

In addition to first-aid kits, you should consider workplace hazard assessments. These will help you decide which first-aid supplies are necessary for your particular workplace. For example, a low-risk environment may require a Class A kit, while a high-risk environment may require a Class B kit. Make sure that all employees are familiar with what's inside the kit and where it is located.

A first-aid kit should include a tourniquet, which is a basic device that can stop bleeding and keep the wound closed. It can save a person's life, so it's essential to keep a complete first-aid kit on hand. In addition to the first-aid supplies, you should also have emergency numbers in order to contact a hospital or an emergency response team.

Employee assistance program

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an excellent resource for dealing with workplace disasters. These crises can have far-reaching consequences for employee health, productivity, and livelihood. These crises can occur due to a variety of factors, including physical injuries, financial problems, and the death of a coworker or family member. Many employers make these programs available to their employees and their families.

Employee assistance programs offer confidential counseling services and referrals to individuals. These services can range from assessments to short-term remote support. They can also address substance abuse issues such as alcoholism and chemical dependency. Moreover, some EAPs also offer financial services, such as budgeting advice and debt repayment. Employees can also get support in setting up an emergency fund.

Employers often turn to EAPs for help following workplace disasters. These programs provide professional counseling, short-term counseling, and referral services, all at no charge to employees. They also help managers plan for potential workplace disasters and legal actions. And, they can be integrated with other disability products, such as disability insurance.

A quality EAP can help employers retain the best talent and achieve a better work/life balance. For example, a G&A employee assistance program managed by Unum provides 24/7 access to care counselors and a virtual library of self-help resources. Employers can contact a G&A representative to set up an EAP and communicate its benefits to employees.

Employers can also use EAPs to help employees cope with workplace stress and maintain a drug-free workplace. An EAP can also improve company productivity by helping employees feel needed and appreciated. Moreover, it can decrease employee absences, which is a good indicator of employee happiness.