📖 Introduction
Emergencies can strike any workplace at any time. Effective emergency preparedness and response planning ensures that
employees know how to act quickly and safely to protect themselves and others. This includes planning for fires, chemical spills,
explosions, natural disasters, and medical emergencies.
🎯 Learning Outcomes
- Understand the importance of emergency preparedness.
- Identify elements of an emergency plan.
- Recognise the role of training and drills in preparedness.
- Explain responsibilities of employers and employees during emergencies.
📋 Elements of an Emergency Plan
- Risk Assessment: Identify potential emergencies relevant to the workplace.
- Emergency Procedures: Evacuation routes, assembly points, and shutdown procedures.
- Roles and Responsibilities: Fire wardens, first aiders, and evacuation leaders.
- Communication: Alarm systems, PA announcements, and emergency contact lists.
- Training and Drills: Regular practice to ensure staff readiness.
🧯 Example – Fire Emergency
A fire emergency plan should include designated fire exits, assembly areas, fire wardens, and regular fire drills.
Training employees on how to use fire extinguishers is also essential.
🔑 Summary
- Emergency preparedness protects lives and property.
- Plans must include clear roles, communication systems, and regular training.
- Drills ensure employees respond effectively under real emergency conditions.
🚀 What’s Next in IG1
Lecture 14: Health and Safety Culture
We will examine the meaning of safety culture, factors that influence it, and strategies for building a positive safety culture.