How to Handle a Workplace Emergency

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You can never predict when an emergency situation
will arise at your workplace. The only thing you
can do is prepare. The question is how do you
know when your workplace is prepared to handle an
emergency?
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The modern workplace is safer than ever, but it
is still far from perfect. According to
government data, there were over 5,500 fatalities
in the workplace in 2007. Even more concerning,
at least 25 of these fatalities occurred in low
risk industries.
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Workplace emergencies dont just harm employees
either. They can also damage a business property
and reputation. The best way to prevent this kind
of damage is to consider what kind of emergencies
your business might face, and have a response
plan for each of them.
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• Some of the most common workplace
• emergencies include
• Earthquake, tornado, flooding, or other natural
  disaster
• Industrial accidents
• Fire
• Equipment malfunction
• Depending on your industry, consider what types
  of emergencies are most likely to occur, and have
  an emergency response plan for each of them.

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• Some emergencies require different levels of
  response. Different kinds of emergencies may
  require responses such as
• Shutting down work stations
• Meeting in shelters or emergency stations
• Medical response
• Evacuation
• For every type of emergency response, the company
  should have an approved plan on how each one will
  be handled.

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Employees should be made aware of the emergency
plan for each type of emergency. Management
should make sure to verbally describe each
emergency plan, and also provide written
descriptions. The company should also hold
semi-regular disaster drills to test employee
readiness in case of emergency.
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• In order to make sure that emergency procedures
  are followed, your company may want to appoint
  safety officers responsible for supervising
  emergency response and making sure employees
  follow proper procedure.
• Safety officers should check for things like
• Equipment being shut down as needed
• Proper evacuation procedure being followed (using
  emergency exits, no pushing or shoving, using
  stairs and not elevators, etc.)
• Making sure injured get medical attention
• These officers can be managers or supervisors, or
  be recruited from the regular employees.

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In addition to creating and practicing emergency
response plans, one of the best ways to prepare
for emergencies is to make sure to always enforce
proper work safety measures. Make sure that
employees wear the necessary protective gear and
know how to safely perform their jobs, and many
workplace accidents and emergencies can be
prevented. Depending on your industry, look for
protective clothing that features properties like
flame resistance or high visibility.
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Prudential Overall Supply is a leading supplier
of high-quality work uniforms, facility supplies,
and safety gear. Since 1932, Prudential has been
at the forefront of promoting safe business
practices, a tradition that continues to this
day. Learn more at www.prudentialuniforms.com
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• http//www.bls.gov/iif/oshcfoi1.htm2007