Proper planning and preparation in advance can teach employees how to respond, help protect operations, and save lives should an emergency occur. Watch this video on emergency preparedness for businesses. Here are ten ways to stay safe in your workplace.
1. Know the location of the nearest exits, evacuation routes, automated external difibrilator (AED) and fire extinguishers
2. Know your building security and floor leaders
3. Participate in emergency exercises, drills and training programs
4. Consider getting trained in first aid, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an AED
5. Advise your supervisor of potential hazards so these can be corrected
6. If you discover a fire, close the doors to confine the fire and evacuate to a safe area; close as many doors as possible between you and the fire
7. If trapped in a room during a fire, place material/cloth around and under the door to prevent smoke from entering
8. Eliminate potential fire hazards by keeping offices and cubicles free from paper clutter; recycle all unnecessary paper
9. In the event of an earthquake:
- Don’t run outside; falling debris could cause injury
- Duck and cover under desks or tables and hold on to furniture; protect your head and neck
- If you’re not near a desk or table, sit with your back against an interior wall; protect your head and neck with your arms
- Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, heavy objects and glass
10. During a power outage:
- Be familiar with the physical layout of your facility and the availability of natural light; try to imagine your work area without any interior lighting
- Limit movement between floors; if necessary use the stairs until power is restored
- Turn off computers or other sensitive electrical equipment to protect against a possible surge when power is restored
- Open window coverings for light and locate emergency equipment such as flashlights or light sticks
