Are You Prepared For An Emergency?

Week 1 (June 1-10) of National Safety Month is taking a deep dive into Emergency Preparedness. This week covers many different topics that are applicable both in the workplace and off-the-job. However, while National Safety Month is a time for learning, it shouldn’t just be used to get safety information to your workers but should also encourage you to build your safety skills and make your job easier.

National Safety Month’s promotion of Emergency Preparedness is aimed at bringing awareness to the 224,935 preventable deaths, 62 million injuries, and $1,225.4 billion in costs that occurred in 2021 in an effort to grow safety practices at work and at home. As an employer, you have a responsibility to give your employees the tools to work safely and help those around them in times of emergency.

The NSC recommends all businesses and workers should have the following proper emergency safety plans and skills to prevent injury and death in the case of an emergency:

• Fire Escape Plan
• Fire Safety training in High-Rise Buildings
• Power Outage Plan
• CPR and AED training
• Disaster plan and training - earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes
• Communication plan 
• Workplace violence response training/ program
• Active shooter response plan

Furthermore, all buildings, cars, and transportation vehicles should have an Emergency Preparedness kit that is accessible at any time. This kit should have a plethora of supplies and tools that can be used in any kind of emergency. This kit should be replenished with unexpired items and employees should also always be aware of where this kit is stored. Some items that should be placed in this kit are:

• Flashlights
• Extra batters
• First aid supplies (bandages, tape, aspirin, non-latex gloves, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers, instant cold compress, gauze, antibacterial ointment, sterilization, scissors, Narcan/Naloxone, and AED if possible)
• Cash
• List of important phone numbers and extensions 
• Small tool kit
• Reflective triangles 
• Compass
• Blanket
• Phone charger
• Duct tape
  
  

To learn more about how to improve emergency preparedness at your workplace, reach out to an agent at Diversified, or visit: https://www.nsc.org/workplace/national-safety-month/nsm-public-materials/week-1-public-materials, for more resources. 

DII is your partner in emergency preparedness and safety. Our team of experts can work with you to understand the best plans and lessons to create to prepare your employees for emergency situations. Please contact your DII representative for more information. #Emergency #Preparedness #NSC #NSM