591397
research-article2015
WHSXXX10.1177/2165079915591397Workplace Health & SafetyWorkplace Health & Safety
Workplace Health & Safety
Current Topics
Emergency Preparedness Plan
Susan A. Randolph, MSN, RN, COHN-S, FAAOHN1
Abstract: Although some disasters
can be predicted, others may
occur without much warning. The
occupational and environmental health
nurse should be involved in all aspects
of an emergency response plan.
Keywords: emergency response,
best practices, management, disaster/
terrorism, occupational health and
safety programs, safety
R
ecent disasters in the news range
from earthquakes in Nepal to
    tornadoes in Texas, Arkansas,
and Oklahoma to droughts in California
and Washington and floods, mudslides,
explosions, and fires throughout the
world. Homes, businesses, schools,
churches, and other community structures
are damaged or destroyed by these
natural disasters. Although some disasters
can be predicted (e.g., hurricanes), others
may occur without warning (e.g.,
earthquakes and fires). Tornadoes often
occur in the spring and hurricanes in the
summer and fall, although weather is
unpredictable.
To keep workers safe, a
comprehensive emergency preparedness
plan is essential. To be effective, the plan
must be well designed and understood
by all workers (Gates, 2015). Although
the main goal is to protect workers, the
emergency plan also protects the
business. According to the American Red
Cross (2007), one in four businesses do
DOI: 10.1177/2165079915591397. From 1The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Address correspondence to: Susan A. Randolph, MSN, RN, COHN-S, FAAOHN, Clinical Assistant Professor,
Occupational Health Nursing Program, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1700 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., CB #7502, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-
7502, USA; email: susan.randolph@unc.edu.
The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest and received no financial support with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
For reprints and permissions queries, please visit SAGE’s Web site at http://www.sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav.
Copyright © 2015 The Author(s)
324
not reopen after a major disaster such as
a flood, tornado, or earthquake.
A risk assessment can help an
employer prepare for disasters that are
likely to occur in a geographic area.
“Understanding the potential risks that
are likely in a certain location allows a
company to create a workplace
emergency plan that encompasses all
risks but gives extra attention to the
disasters that are most likely to occur in
its area” (Gates, 2015, p. 50). When
disaster strikes during business hours, it
is critical for management and employees
alike to follow the emergency plan and
remain calm.
An emergency response planning
committee should be established in the
worksite with representation from all
divisions and departments, along with
key community emergency response
agencies. A written plan should describe
in detail the procedures to follow for any
disaster or emergency that could happen.
A written plan is essential as response
will vary based on the type of emergency
encountered. For example, fires require
all employees to evacuate buildings
quickly. During an earthquake,
evacuation is not recommended as it may
contribute to injuries; instead, employees
should drop to the ground and cover
their head and neck with hands and arms
(Gates, 2015). In some instances, such as
a workplace violence episode or tornado,
employees may need to shelter in place;
these locations should be clearly marked.
A plan for the care and movement of
July 2015
employees and visitors, including those
with disabilities or those who may need
extra time to evacuate, must also be
developed.
Emergency supplies should be
available and include first aid kits, fire
extinguishers, respirators, emergency
protective clothing, blankets, water, and
alternate communication devices such as
weather radios, two-way radios, and
charged cell phones. After the emergency,
used supplies and equipment must be
replaced. Periodic training about the
emergency preparedness plan and mock
drills will reinforce employees’
responsibilities in an actual emergency.
After the drill, the plan can be modified
to improve disaster response.
The occupational and environmental
health nurse should be involved in all
aspects of the development and testing of
an emergency response plan, including
serving on the response planning
committee, conducting training,
coordinating mock drills, interacting with
the community, and sharing resources. As a
result, the safety of workers can be ensured.
References
American Red Cross. (2007). Emergency
preparedness seminar. Retrieved from http://
download.101com.com/OHS/webinar/98621/
files/98/62/1/rt/1/documents/slidepdf/red_
cross_webcast_dec_07_final5.pdf
Gates, R. (2015, May). Be prepared for disasters.
Occupational Health & Safety, pp. 50-51.
Retrieved from http://ohsonline.com/
Articles/2015/05/01/Be-Prepared-for-
Disasters.aspx