Professional Documents
Culture Documents
EMERGENCY:
a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that
calls for immediate action
an urgent need for assistance or relief
EMERGENCY RESPONSE:
Emergency response is action taken in response to an unexpected and dangerous occurrence
in an attempt to mitigate its impact on people or the environment.
Emergency situations can range from natural disasters to hazardous materials problems and
transportation incidents.
Emergency response may refer to services provided by emergency and rescue services
agencies, as well as the plans made and actions taken within an organization to respond to
emergencies.
Emergency response plans are an important component of workplace safety.
Response time is an important component of emergency response. This refers to how long it
takes emergency responders to arrive at the scene of an emergency after the emergency
response system has been activated.
Fire
In all circumstances, protecting the life and personal safety of staff, clients and visitors during a fire emergency
takes precedence over protecting property. The purpose of this procedure is to outline what to do in the event of a
fire.
Procedure
Evacuation
Evacuate the building as outlined in the Emergency Evacuation Procedure.
2. Medical Emergency
A medical emergency refers to any situation in which a person(s) requires medical intervention or where a death
has occurred. Medical emergencies include complications from medical conditions, work injuries, violent incidents,
or other unforeseen events. Having trained staff and effective emergency response procedures will reduce the
impact of a medical emergency on the individual and the organization.
Procedures
Training:
The DM/President will ensure there are the required number of trained First Aid Attendants available at all
times.
Names of First Aid Attendants will be posted in prominent places (Health and Safety Bulletin Board,
kitchen) and near the First Aid kits.
There are (insert the number of first aid kits) available for First Aid Attendants to administer first aid. One
kit will is located (insert the location) and the second kit is located (insert the location).
First Aid Kits will be maintained by the on-call First Aid Attendant.
First Aid Attendants will request replacement items for the first aid kits from (determine whom and insert
the position name).
The (determine whom and insert the position name) will forward replacement items to the First Aid
Attendant for restocking of the First Aid Kit.
Ensure your own safety as you approach the scene by making sure that there is no hazard to you.
Once you consider the scene safe, administer first aid if qualified to do so.
If you are not qualified to administer first aid yell for help.
When help arrives, ask them to call the First Aid Attendant and report back to confirm that the First Aid
Attendant is on his/her way.
If you believe at any time during the medical emergency that the person needs emergency medical services,
call 9-911 (or appropriate numbers for Police, Fire, Ambulance, etc) as outlined in the emergency reporting
procedure. Stay with the person until the First Aid Attendant arrives.
Follow instructions of the First Aid Attendant.
Call 9-911 (or appropriate numbers for Police, Fire, Ambulance, etc) according to the emergency reporting
procedure if requested by the First Aid Attendant and not done already.
Report back to the First Aid Attendant to confirm that an ambulance is on its way.
Complete a "MINOR or SERIOUS Incident and Near Miss Investigation and Reporting" form (type
to be determined based on the incident) after you are no longer needed by the First Aid Attendant or Ambulance
Attendant.
Injuries from violent incidents and threats are a serious hazard that we face working at YG (insert
department/crown corporation).
The majority of potential violent situations will be managed using skills acquired through training and safe work
practices and/or safe job procedures procedures. Unfortunately, there may be some situations that cannot be
controlled where staff will be faced with threats and violence. These procedures focus on how to recognize when a
person has crossed the line and how to safely disengage from that violent person.
Definitions
Incident
An incident is an event or series of events that:
Physical Violence
Violence is characterized through acts of aggression, intimidation, abuse, and outrage, resulting in physical force
being unlawfully exercised or an act tending to cause bodily injury or damage to property. Incidents of violence may
include assault, damage of property, display and/or use of weapon and extortion.
Procedures
Who to call:
Physical violence and threats are violations of the criminal code and must be reported to the police.
If safe to do so, immediately report the incident to your supervisor who will contact the police.
Contact 9-911 (or appropriate numbers for Police, Fire, Ambulance, etc) using the Emergency Reporting
Procedure at any time that you feel your personal safety is compromised.
Evaluate each situation for the following behaviours for the potential of escalating violence:
It would be ideal if they left now and police can question them privately.
It would be embarrassing to have them escorted out by police or in handcuffs.
To leave now and without any further incident as it would be good for everyone.
If you are threatened or attacked and prevented from leaving the room:
Immediately contact 9-911 (or appropriate numbers for Police, Fire, Ambulance, etc), as quickly and
discretely as possible.
Warn others in the area to leave to a safe place.
Approach the interview room or office and offer support to your colleague if it is safe to do so.
Report all incidents of threats and violence using the "SERIOUS" incident and near miss reporting process.
DM/President/Senior Management (each department or crown corporation to determine) will coordinate
follow-up actions with the police.
4. Hostage Taking
Hostage situations may occur from spontaneous escalations of difficult situations between staff and emotionally
disturbed clients, coworkers or family members. Hostage taking is a situation in which a person(s) is (are) detained
against their will by another person(s). The outcome of a hostage taking incident can range from surrender without
incident to death of the hostage and hostage taker. This procedure is designed to provide guidelines on how to
respond to hostage situations that will offer the highest level of protection to staff.
Procedures
Under no circumstances shall an employee, who has knowledge of any person(s) having been taken
hostage, deal with a hostage taker alone.
Immediately contact 9-911 (or appropriate numbers for Police, Fire, Ambulance, etc) according to
the emergency reporting procedures. Provide all known incident details (location, number of people involved,
any weapons involved, etc.).
Notify your Supervisor or the DM/President or Senior Manager, and no one else.
Notified Supervisor:
DM/President/Senior Manager:
Meet with emergency service personnel to determine the best plan of action to deal with the hostage
situation and the safety of the rest of the staff.
Cooperate with authorities.
Keep other staff informed.
Notify the Minister.
Arrange critical incident stress management intervention.
Stay away from the affected area and wait for instructions.
Be prepared to evacuate.
All staff including those directly and indirectly involved will require some level of critical incident stress
management.
Professional intervention will be arranged or delegated by the DM/President/Senior Manager.
Bomb threats are a risk to a public organization. There are three likely explanations for receiving a bomb threat.
First, the caller has definite knowledge or believes that an explosive or incendiary device has been or will be placed
in an area and wants to minimize personal injury or property damage. The caller may be the person who placed the
device or someone else who has become aware of such information.
Second, the caller wants to create an atmosphere of anxiety and panic, which will possibly result in disruption of the
normal activities at the target area. When a threat has been received, there will be a reaction to it. If the call is
directed to a target area where a vacuum in leadership exists or where there has been no organized advance
planning to handle such a threat, the call may well result in panic.
Finally, the caller wants to bring about or amplify a lack of confidence in existing leadership or programs. By
injecting panic into normal operational situation through fear of the known or unknown, the caller may achieve his
or her ultimate goals; i.e., an increased potential for personal injury, property damage, evacuation or shutdown
which results in economic loss to the organization.
Organization and planning efforts must be conducted in advance to handle bomb threats, confusion and panic. If
we are prepared, bomb threats and finding suspicious parcels can be resolved with a minimum of exposure to
personal injury and property damage.
Procedures
It is important for the person receiving the call to attempt to keep the caller on the telephone as long as
possible, listen carefully to all information provided and to make note of any voice characteristics, accents or
background noise.
A bomb threat checklist has been devised to assist staff when receiving a bomb threat. The "Bomb Threat
Checklist" must be kept where you can easily reach it when you are on the telephone. Follow the instructions
outlined in the Bomb Threat Checklist.
Immediately after the call is terminated contact 9-911 (or appropriate numbers for Police, Fire, Ambulance,
etc) according to the "Emergency Reporting Procedures.
Notify your Supervisor. If not available contact the Director of your Branch. Do not tell anyone else until
instructed to do so by your Supervisor or Director.
If instructed to evacuate, follow "Emergency Evacuation Procedures."
Characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes
Excessive postage
Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
Misspellings of common words
Strange return address or no return address
Incorrect titles or title without a name
Not addressed to a specific person
Marked with restrictions such as "Personal," "Confidential," or "Do not x-ray"
Marked with any threatening language
Postmarked from a city or other location that does not match the return address
Excessive weight
Ticking sound
Protruding wires or aluminum foil
General Duties:
Under no circumstances will any YG employee attempt to touch, move or dispose of a suspicious object on
YG premises.
Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious package or envelope.
Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others or allow others to examine it.
Put the package or envelope down on a stable surface; do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at it or at
any contents which may have spilled.
Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope. Leave the area, close any doors, and
take actions to prevent others from entering the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system.
WASH hands with soap and water to prevent spreading potentially infectious material to face or skin. Seek
additional instructions for exposed or potentially exposed persons.
Notify your Supervisor so the reception area may be closed to minimize any risk to the public.
Await instructions. If told to evacuate, follow specific instructions, as the usual evacuation procedures may
not apply. You may be asked to take your briefcase, purse or other personal belongings with you.
Specific Duties:
Notified Supervisor:
DM/President/Senior Manager:
Meet with emergency services personnel to determine the best course of action.
Instruct staff according to directions of emergency personnel.
If instructed to evacuate, follow evacuation procedures.
All YG Employees:
Stay in your work area, unless instructed otherwise by your Supervisor. Look around your work area for any
suspicious packages.
If you find something do not touch it. Report anything unusual to the Floor Warden, your supervisor or
emergency personnel.
If instructed to evacuate, follow "Emergency Evacuation Procedures."
Await instructions.
If instructed to evacuate, follow "Emergency Evacuation Procedures."
Employees asked to assist in the bomb search have the "right to refuse" under Yukon OHS Act, Section 15.
Employees who agree must follow these instructions, unless other instructions are given at the time:
Begin on the floor (carpet) and search the room’s perimeter clockwise up to waist level. Continue in a
clockwise direction to above your head until the entire area has been searched. Search with your eyes only.
Notify your Supervisor if you discover anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.
(Remain in your work area.) Wait for further instructions.
Do not evacuate until and unless you are instructed to do so.
Keep all personal briefcases, knapsacks, parcels and purses with you.
6. Earthquake
Whitehorse lies on a combination of fault lines, or continental plate boundaries, which ultimately puts Whitehorse at
a major risk for earthquakes, according to Emergency Preparedness Canada.
If the epicenter of the earthquake is very close, a loud crack may be heard as the earth shifts. If it is farther away,
there may be a loud noise or rumbling, like the rushing of a train. Typically, the initial swaying is followed by the
shaking, then a rolling motion that rotates up, down and sideways. It can last from seconds to minutes.
The actual movement of the ground seldom causes injuries, but rather the falling objects and debris cause most
casualties.
Aftershocks frequently occur, often hours to days later, as the earth adjusts to the initial shift.
Procedures
Preparedness:
Keep large or heavy objects close to the floor.
Anchor all shelving and large items to the wall, where possible.
Ensure that pictures and mirrors are secured to the walls.
Ensure all cabinets have latches that will keep the door closed during shaking.
Be aware of the safe spots in your department, such as the stable desks or tables, and locations away from
potential falling objects.
Duties:
If you are inside during the shaking:
Stay outside.
Move away from the building and power lines.
Avoid overhanging structures.
Remain in your location until the shaking stops.
Expect aftershocks.
Check for fire, electrical and other hazards. Follow the usual procedure for fire (as per #1. of this
document). Call (determine appropriate person and insert job title) to inform them of electrical problems or other
building related problems.
Account for all staff and visitors. If someone is missing, the Building Warden will search as soon as it is safe
to do so.
The Building Warden is to check for people who may be trapped, inspect all rooms, starting with offices and
bathrooms. Leave doors to rooms open (unless there is a fire).
Assess if anyone is injured and provide medical assistance where required.
Check telephone lines and notify Information Systems if there are problems. Minimize telephone and cell
use.
Do not evacuate, but check to ensure the routes are clear.
Conserve water. Do not flush the toilets.
Assess further damage in your unit. Use caution when opening doors to rooms or cupboards, as objects
may fall. Post signs indicating dangerous areas and notify your Supervisor of unsafe situations.
7. Flood
Whitehorse is built on a flood plain of the Yukon River downstream of a hydro-electric dam. In most cases, the dam
controls the flow of water and will protect us from the potential of seasonal flooding from ice jams or unusual
weather patterns. In the extreme event of a dam failure a flood will happen.
A flood is a community emergency. The Yukon Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) is the lead agency when a
flood occurs. They will provide leadership and direction on how to respond.
Procedures
Warning:
Any staff that learns of a flood emergency will immediately contact the DM/President or designate.
Duties:
The DM/President/Designate:
EMO Coordinator:
Employees:
8. Active Shooter
An "Active Shooter" is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and
populated area.
Prior to the arrival of police personnel, how you respond to an active shooter will be dictated by the specific
circumstances of the encounter. If you find yourself in an active shooter situation, try to remain as calm as possible
and use these suggested actions to help you plan a strategy for survival. Keep in mind, the entire area is still a
crime scene.
If possible, secure the room you are in by either locking or barricading the door using available material and
follow the same procedures described above.
If you cannot secure the room, determine if there is a nearby location that you are able to reach safely and
then secure or if you can safely exit the building.
If the active shooter enters your office or classroom, there are no set procedures. The decision to flee or
seek shelter inside the room can only be made by you and is dependent upon the circumstances.
Try to remain calm, it will aid you in decision making.
Call 9-911 (or appropriate number for Police, Fire, Ambulance, etc) if possible, and alert police to the
shooter's location.
If you can't speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can hear what is taking place. Usually the location
of a caller can be determined without speaking.
If there is absolutely no opportunity of escape or concealment and the shooter is not actively firing on
victims it might be possible to negotiate with the shooter.
If the shooter has fired on victims you are faced with a life or death situation; only you can consider your
next course of action.
After all other options have been exhausted, you may be faced with the decision to overpower the shooter
with force by whatever means necessary.
If the shooter leaves the area and the environment appears safe, proceed immediately to a safer place.
Do not touch anything that was in the area of the shooter because of the possibility of explosives being left
and the destruction of crucial evidence.
Responding police officers are trained to proceed immediately to the area where the shots were last heard;
their purpose is to stop the shooting as quickly as possible.
The first officers to arrive will not stop to aid injured victims; rescue teams composed of additional officers
will follow the first team into secured areas and remove injured persons.
Do as the officers tell you and do not be afraid of them.
9. Chemical Incident
The response to a chemical spill or an accidental release of a hazardous substance will be determined by
Management. Any response shall be based on an assessment of the threat to health and safety of building
personnel and shall include reference to the appropriate WHMIS Material Safety Data Sheets.
Call the Spill Line at 9-667-7244. Speak slowly and clearly. Tell them what you have discovered.
Evacuate the building using the nearest safe exit stairwell.
Call the Whitehorse Fire Department at 9-911 (or appropriate number for Police, Fire, Ambulance, etc) and
follow the "Emergency Reporting Procedure."
Remain calm
Pull the fire alarm
If the fire is small and you are appropriately trained, put it out with a fire extinguisher - DO NOT jeopardize
your or your co-workers personal safety.
NEVER allow the fire to come between you and the exit.
Evacuate the area.
Building Marshals will sweep the workplace - they are trained to do so.
If you evacuate the area, close doors and windows behind you to confine the fire, if it is safe to do so.
Go to the designated Muster Location
DO NOT:
11. Explosion
Take immediate shelter. Tables, desks, or other objects will offer protection against flying glass or debris.
Protect your face and head with your arms.
Remain under cover until the effects of the explosion have subsided.
Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
Notify the Fire Department at 9-911(or appropriate number for Police, Fire, Ambulance, etc).
Check to ensure the exit stairwell is free of obstruction & evacuate the building.
If you require special assistance, make your way to your predetermined rendezvous point. You will be
assisted.
Remain at your work station until alarm bells sound or until ordered to evacuate the building by your Building
Marshal.
If an explosion occurs after hours: Follow the same procedures as you would during normal working hours.
12. Demonstrations
The response to a demonstration in this building will vary according to the number of participants and the
atmosphere in which it occurs.
Immediately lock up any security-classified and designated material or other valuables according to your
unit’s business continuity plan.
Do not say or do anything that will agitate the occupiers.
Do not attempt to physically restrain the occupiers.
Wait for instructions from your supervisor or manager