Planning emergency procedures in the workplace is essential to ensure the safety and protection of employees in the event of accidents, fires and other potentially hazardous events.
In this article, I will give you 12 useful tips to optimize emergency procedures: plan, organize and identify the correct procedures to perform for the evacuation of the workplace.
Plan workplace emergency procedures now
The first 4 suggestions concern the emergency planning phase, starting from the compilation of the DVR and the Emergency Plan, up to the training of the staff and the preparation of the emergency signs.
1. Perform risk assessment and DVR
Each company is required to identify specific potential risks. This assessment flows into the specific document, the DVR, which must take into account the particularities of the activity being carried out. For this reason, it should include an overview of the activities carried out on site and the different types of risk related to them.
Risk assessment always takes into account the presence of dangerous substances in the workplace, but also of processes and materials that could trigger threats, such as fires, gas leaks, chemical accidents, traumas, etc. For an effective assessment, it is also necessary to take into account the structural characteristics of the building ;
2. Develop the Emergency Plan
Companies with more than 10 employees and companies that carry out activities subject to the control of the Fire Brigade are required to draw up the Emergency Plan.
This document is based on the risk assessment and outlines the specific actions to be taken in the event of an accident or dangerous event. The emergency plan must also contain the actions to be taken in the event of a fire, the provisions for requesting the intervention of the emergency services and for providing the necessary information upon their arrival and the specific measures to assist people with special needs.
In workplaces where there is an obligation to draw up an emergency plan, the employer is, in any case, required to adopt organizational and management measures to be implemented in the event of an emergency, reporting them in the Risk Assessment Document ;
3. Inform and raise awareness among employees
It is important to inform workers about the specific aspects of the activity in relation, for example, to the specific risks associated with the tasks performed, the location of escape routes, the prevention and protection measures adopted in the workplace, the names of the personnel responsible for applying emergency measures.
Information must be provided in a clear and easily understandable manner , for example through appropriate signage or written notices.
Even going beyond legal obligations, to increase the level of safety in the workplace it is also appropriate to establish regular training and awareness sessions . In fact, improving awareness of the risks present in the workplace helps to prevent accidents. Furthermore, it also ensures that everyone is aware of the emergency procedures and how to act appropriately in the event of an alarm;
4. Plan and indicate emergency exits
5. Designate emergency responders
The Emergency Plan also assigns specific roles : emergency managers, safety officers and firefighters . These will also be responsible for coordinating the evacuation of the workplace in the event of an accident. By law, workers identified to fill this role must be trained in evacuation procedures and the management of emergency situations with specific training courses ;
6. Define emergency and evacuation procedures
The evacuation procedure must be defined in detail already in the Emergency Plan. The main escape routes, designated assembly points and procedures to control the evacuation (such as the use of acoustic or visual alarms) must be established in advance and communicated to employees and customers, to ensure a smooth evacuation procedure in the event of an alarm ;
7. Check escape routes periodically
Regular inspections of escape routes are important to ensure they are always clear of obstructions and well marked. Emergency doors must always be unlocked and easily opened;
8. Conduct evacuation drills
Companies with more than 10 employees and/or subject to the control of the Fire Brigade are also required to carry out evacuation simulations at least once a year .
Fire-fighting and evacuation drills must be attended by workers and, where deemed appropriate, other persons normally present during the exercise of the activity (e.g. users, public, maintenance company personnel, contractors).
Emergency procedures to follow in the event of an alarm
Finally, here are 4 reminders to practice right during the emergency procedure, to ensure that all employees and guests are brought to safety and no one is left behind.
9. Activate the alarm
In case of emergency, you must immediately activate the evacuation alarm and report the incident to the competent authorities , for example by contacting the Fire Brigade in case of Fire;
10. Evacuate the area in good manners
Employees are required to follow the evacuation procedures established in the Emergency Plan. At this stage, emergency responders also have the role of helping colleagues to remain calm, to guide other employees to emergency exits and direct them to designated assembly points;
11. Provide assistance to people with disabilities
Employees with disabilities or reduced mobility must receive adequate assistance during evacuation. To deal with such situations, specific procedures must be identified in advance in the Emergency and Evacuation Plan;
12. Check that everyone has arrived at the assembly point
Once the assembly points are reached, emergency workers must verify that all employees are present and that no one has been left behind. No one may return, leave the assembly point, or re-enter the building until the emergency is over.
Conclusion
In conclusion, planning emergency procedures in the workplace is crucial to ensure the safety and protection of employees in the event of accidents, fires, and other potentially hazardous events. By following these 12 useful tips, you can optimize your emergency procedures, plan, organize, and identify the correct procedures to perform for a safe evacuation of the workplace. Remember, emergency preparedness is key to saving lives and preventing injuries. I recommend that all employers take these tips seriously and implement them in their workplaces to ensure a safe and secure environment for their employees.
