Emergency Systems and Procedures in Health and Safety
Table of Contents
- Emergency Preparedness Overview
- Role of Emergency Systems and Procedures
- Emergency Response Structure
- Training and Emergency Drills
- Emergency Simulation and Case Study
- Review and Continuous Improvement
- References
- Bibliography
Emergency Preparedness Overview
Emergency systems and procedures have been developed by the organization in an attempt to adequately prepare for the unknown. Unknown here refers to unforeseen contingencies usually unwanted and are a source of business disruptions that may endanger the lives of workers who are engaged by Sterling Safety Services. Planning and preparing for such emergencies to reduce the severity of consequences is a core principle in having in place emergency systems and procedures. In (The Journal of Healthcare Contracting, 2016)“James Baker, (President George H. W. Bush’s former Chief of Staff), wrote a book about his grandfather starting a law firm. Baker’s grandfather gave all those young lawyers five points to remember – they’re called the five ‘P’s: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.”
Role of Emergency Systems and Procedures
The role of the health and safety emergency systems and procedures put in place by Sterling Safety Services is to first of all protect the lives of workers. Other reasons are to ensure that the organization readily identifies statutory requirements for compliance while securing company/client property and conserving the environment. In the UK, as captured in (Health and Safety Executive, 2021), “The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with less than five employees and to the self-employed. Sterling Safety Services has identified a number of focus areas for which procedures have been clearly spelled-out. The Emergency procedure which was documented with consideration of the nature of the organizations activities makes provisions for fire outbreaks, outbreak of infectious diseases like Coronavirus, Spills and some natural occurrences.
Emergency Response Structure
It has also been established, for purposes of efficient emergency response, responsibilities and a chain of command. Whereas the Chief Executive Officer has to ensure that adequate support and resources are made available for the effective implementation of the health and safety emergency response systems and procedure, the Health and Safety Manager is to ensure that the right systems are adopted by the organization. Where necessary, the HSE Manager Laisses with specialist consultants to enable the organization conform to best practices. The HSE Manager Implements the Health and Safety emergency procedure while all other employees are to avail themselves and adhere to instructions.
Training and Emergency Drills
To effectively champion the cause of effective implementation, there are regular trainings and drills conducted. The organization initiates these training and drill programs in advance. This means that in the case of a real emergency workers will be able to respond effectively. Training everyone on the program, and continuously rehearsing is essential to the successful control of incidents or emergencies. The process can also identify weaknesses such as a lack of resources (equipment, trained personnel, supplies), or items that can be proactively resolved.
Emergency Simulation and Case Study
In December 2020, Sterling Safety Services tested its ability to respond to potential coronavirus cases that were captured with the hand-held infrared thermometer. The organization engaged the Local COVID-19 response team who were made up of public health experts and medical advisors. The organization had just created a holding area to isolate cases after which the taskforce will be engaged to undertake further checks to build a case profile upon which a COVID-19 infection is valid. The exercise was simulated and involved some workers who played various roles. In (Workplace Safety North, A Health and Safety Ontario Partner, 2010), “Active participation of workers in emergency simulations helps reduce panic and increase communication levels, judgement and decision-making abilities”.
Senior Management also encouraged the set-up of a dedicated COVID-19 response team who were to receive trainings and case management strategies to help fight a common global cause. Other workers were scattered in the area to observe the process after which the gaps and issues were discussed in open field. Previously the organization had simulated an exercise where a collapsed worker is revived before medical team arrives with an ambulance.
Review and Continuous Improvement
The health and safety emergency response systems and procedures within the organization are also subject to periodic reviews to ensure that they remain relevant for changes that may have occurred. These reviews may be necessitated by risk assessment, new standards, new legislations, best practices or following the failure of a procedure to effectively address an actual emergency situation. (711 Words)
References
Health and Safety Executive, 2021. Legislation. [Online]
Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/legislation.htm
[Accessed 08 April 2021].
The Journal of Healthcare Contracting, 2016. Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. [Online]
Available at: https://cutt.ly/3cZVPrs
[Accessed 08 April 2021].
Workplace Safety North, A Health and Safety Ontario Partner, 2010. Emergency Simulation Guideline for Underground Mines. In: Emergency Simulation Guideline for Underground Mines. Ontario: Workplace Safety North, pp. 5-5.
Bibliography
Amann, J., 2013. Planning for workplace emergencies. Professional Safety, 58(1), p.28.
