Workplace emergencies consist of everything from floods and fires to chemical spills, and the best way of protecting employees in an emergency situation is to create an emergency plan. When creating a plan, think of the worst-case scenarios and determine the safest, most effective responses. Consider what actions by employers and employees will keep everyone safest, and, if necessary, provide some individuals with specific tasks. Including management and employees during the process helps ensure that nothing is skipped and provides a good base of awareness for the plan.
Giving every employee a route assignment ensures traffic moves quickly and smoothly, decreasing the chances of injury. Make sure everyone knows where fire exits and emergency tools such as fire extinguishers are located, and provide them with a general overview of the building in case someone is separated. Most plans include evacuation policies, a method of reporting the incident, contact numbers for additional information, and procedures for employees who must remain on location to shut down operations or complete other tasks.