Emergency Procedures in the Workplace

All businesses, including those in the fitness industry need to have emergency procedures in place and the first step in doing this is to plan and be prepared for any emergency.

The reason for emergency preparedness planning is simple. Preparation can save lives and money. The aim of a business emergency plan is to reduce the risk of injury to clients and/or employees and/or public and to reduce the damage to property and environment that often results from a disaster. All employees should be aware of their workplace emergency plan.

It should describe the communication systems that will be used, as well as have a resource list for finding information, contacts and emergency equipment in a hurry. With a well thought out plan in effect as well as the proper first aid and emergency supplies made available, the workplace will be a much safer place and the personal and financial risks will be greatly reduced.

Emergency Procedures

The emergency plan needs to have detailed emergency response procedures including:

• Internal warning
• External warning
• Official notification
• Controlled shutdown
• Emergency response
• Fire response
• ‘All clear’ rules

Escape and Evacuation Details:

• Emergency escape procedures, evacuation routes and assignments
• A workplace map with evacuation routes, including from buildings
• Designated assembly point/s
• Ensure adequate exit signs in buildings
• Designated evacuation wardens
• Procedures for accounting of employees
• Defined types of evacuation (partial, full, shelter-in-place).

Details to include:

• Alarm systems – review the adequacy of current alarm system as well as training as to how and what the alarm communicates
• Shutdown procedures – written procedures to be followed by employees who remain to perform critical operations before they evacuate
• Rescue and medical duties – define who and what duties to be performed and ensure CPR/First Aid certifications are in place as well as current
• Preferred means of reporting fires/other emergencies – manual pull-box alarm, public address systems, telephones, two-way radios
• Emergency duties and responsibilities/chain of command – Designate an emergency response coordinator, emergency response teams (search and rescue, safety officer), public information officer/media communications, trauma coordinator depending on the size and extent of the operation.

Listing of Emergency Contacts:

• Adequate posting of individuals and telephone numbers for company contacts
• Emergency Response Authorities (the designated number in your country – in Australia 000)
• Local fire, police and ambulance
• Suicide prevention
• The State Emergency Service or equivalent
• Poison Control Centre.