6 Steps for Conducting a Workplace Emergency Drill

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

How To Stay Safe During A Workplace Emergency

If a disaster gets out of control at your Maple Grove, MN commercial building, do your employees know how to react? Everyone remembers doing emergency drills in grade school, but how many workplaces do them? A disaster can happen anywhere, so it pays to be prepared. Follow these steps to design and conduct a drill, as well as create a thorough disaster safety plan.

1. Create a Plan
A plan of policies and procedures should, at the very least, include maps, floor plans, and designated safe areas. Encourage the ownership of emergency roles and responsibilities by specified employees.

2. Meet With Your Employees
Hold a meeting to review procedures with all staff. Allow them to share ideas and ask questions. Post the plan in conspicuous locations throughout the building and give a copy to each employee.

3. Conduct a Practice Drill
It’s important to run through a practice drill with all staff. Everyone needs to understand how to get out of the building as quickly and safely as possible. A designated safe area should be stressed as the post-escape meetup point.

4. Note the Results of the Drill
Track the time that it takes to complete the drill. Share that information with employees to encourage self-correction. Also, make note of any problems that occurred so that you can find a better approach.

5. Make Improvements
Some people won’t take a practice drill seriously, but it’s important to have everyone ready in case a disaster occurs. Set goals and offer incentives for a job well done.

6. Practice Regularly
It’ll probably take a few drills to get the proper response; you’ll need to practice until the actions become second nature. Since no disaster will be exactly as you expect, create several different scenarios to practice.
Running a drill regularly helps ensure that everyone stays safe during a workplace emergency. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to protect your employees on the job. If your building sustains damage from a disaster, storm restoration experts can make repairs so your employees continue to have a safe place to work.