10 Must-Have Emergency Procedures Every Workplace Should Implement

Workplace health and safety is not just a compliance checkbox — it's a crucial aspect of any responsible business. As outlined in the handbook, businesses must have emergency procedures in place as part of the employer’s obligation to provide a safe place of work and to ensure the health and safety of employees and other persons on their premises. The purpose of good emergency procedures is to:

• Localise the effects of an incident and, if possible, eliminate it.
• Prevent fatalities and injuries.
• Reduce the damage to buildings, stock, and equipment.
• Reduce damage to the environment.
• Facilitate the resumption of normal duties.

Events that may necessitate the use of an emergency plan fall into one of two categories:

• Natural occurring incidents (earthquake, flood, etc.)
• Man-made incidents (fire, chemical leakage, terrorism, etc.)

To manage these risks effectively, here are the 10 must-have emergency procedures every workplace should implement:

1. Fire Emergency Response Planning

Involving a proactive, emergency response plan that includes emergency evacuation procedures and fire drills is essential. The business should coordinate with the local public fire brigade and safety officials to ensure adequate participation in life safety programs and fire inspections.

2. Procedures for When Fire is First Discovered

Immediate actions, such as raising the alarm, alerting team members, and activating fire suppression systems, should be clearly defined and understood by all employees.

3. Evacuation Procedures

Establish safe evacuation routes, assign assembly points, and ensure all employees know how to exit the premises quickly and safely.

4. Procedures for Notifying Authorities

Employees should be trained on how and when to contact emergency services. This step should also include notifying internal emergency response teams or designated safety officers.

5. Administering First Aid and Notifying Medical Authorities

Your plan must include procedures for providing first aid onsite and for summoning medical help when needed. All employees should know the location of first aid kits and trained personnel.

6. Use of Fire Extinguishers (with Demonstrations)

Training should go beyond theory and include actual demonstrations on how to operate fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

7. Fire Safety Engineering Controls

Ensure compliance with standards for automatic detection and suppression systems, and implement design strategies to separate potential fuel materials from ignition sources.

8. Fire Safety Inspections

Fire safety inspections should be included in the overall safety inspection program, conducted regularly and thoroughly.

9. Practice Fire Drills

Regularly conduct practice fire drills to ensure preparedness and refine evacuation and response plans as needed.

10. Fire Safety Training for Employees

Training should cover all fire safety procedures, usage of equipment, and emergency response actions. This should be part of the onboarding process and refreshed periodically.

Emergency preparedness is a cornerstone of workplace safety. By implementing these 10 must-have emergency procedures, businesses can protect their employees, assets, and reputation, and ensure swift recovery in the face of unforeseen events. As stated in the handbook, these procedures are not optional — they are a legal and ethical necessity.