All organizations face risks due to emergencies. Adequate emergency response procedures are essential to protecting workers and workplaces. Emergency preparedness can take many forms, and an OHS professional should demonstrate their proficiency with addressing the risks and hazards in a variety of workplace contexts. Contextual variables include:
– Site location (e.g. flood risk near coast, isolation in northern regions, worker isolation in multi-location organizations, etc.)
– Risks due to production processes
– Response time for emergency services
– Pandemic situations
In order to act as an effective resource, the OHS professional should demonstrate a thorough understanding of, and ability to perform, in all aspects of emergency preparedness. These include:
– Liaising with external agencies in the event of an emergency
– Evaluating emergency detection and mitigation methods
– Development of emergency preparedness plans and arrangements, including emergency recovery plans
– Development of and implementation of preparedness plans, including drills