Preparing your organization for the unexpected requires a lot of careful planning. While taking preventative action can’t entirely put a stop to hazards or accidents, it can greatly reduce the potential risks and consequent costs. Above all, having a contingency plan in place is crucial for keeping your employees safe.
In addition to providing adequate personal protective equipment for every one of your employees, training all personnel to remain composed during emergencies is also important. Conducting routine emergency drills allows employees to familiarize themselves with evacuation and safety procedures, and understand exactly what their roles are in the event of an emergency.
Here are a few useful tools to help you develop an emergency plan that is right for your organization.
Emergency Drill Report Checklist and Infographic
Emergency drill report checklists are important for making sure each drill is fairly evaluated and all bases are covered. For example, was everyone present and accounted for during the drill? Were all rooms and surroundings checked appropriately? And did everyone evacuate in a safe and timely manner?
Using a drill report checklist not only ensures that each performance is well-documented but it also helps streamline emergency procedures. Download the checklist below to create a template for your own workplace.
In addition to using an emergency drill checklist, here are some essential supplies needed to complete an emergency drill:
- Megaphone for guiding employees to safety during evacuation
- Working fire detectors to signal the start of a fire drill
- Emergency first aid kits in case of injuries
- Well-lit exit signs to help employees navigate evacuation routes
Developing a thorough emergency drill plan is more than just copying and pasting policies and procedures from another company. Each organization is unique and therefore requires thought and effort to craft a plan that is tailored to the organization.
After creating a comprehensive safety plan, it is even more important to conduct emergency drills that adhere closely to what has been mapped out. Lastly, the most crucial step of performing drills is the assessment and evaluation process afterward. This helps organizations gain a better understanding of which procedures could be improved in the future.
Though routine emergency drills might not be the most exciting activity, they are absolutely necessary for ensuring the safety of all employees. All company owners should make an effort to examine their current contingency plans and proactively develop a plan of action to better respond to foreseeable risks.
Whether it’s through taking preventive measures to ensure worksite safety, training employees on how to use fire safety equipment, or scheduling regular tabletop exercises, emergency drills can help everyone be prepared. Ultimately, employees’ wellness and safety should always be your number one priority.
Sources: HSDL