New Zealand’s geographical location makes it susceptible to various natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis and unpredictable weather patterns. Disasters can strike unexpectedly, even during business hours. As responsible employers, it’s essential to take proactive steps to ensure your workplace is well-prepared for any disaster. Here are essential actions to consider:
1. Identify Risks
Natural Hazards: Understand the specific risks your location faces, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, storms, and landslides.
Health Emergencies: Be aware of health-related risks, including pandemics or other health crises.
Utility Failures: Consider disruptions to power, water, or communication services.
2. Create an Emergency Plan
Your emergency plan should cover various scenarios. Include the following elements:
Emergency Procedures: Develop clear protocols for fire, earthquake, tsunami, severe weather events and other hazards. New Zealand is prone to earthquakes and has an expansive coastline, so knowing your tsunami evacuation zone is crucial, then if a Tsunami warning is issued or if an earthquake is long and strong you can get to safety.
Assembly Points and Wardens: Designate safe gathering areas and train staff members as emergency wardens. Regular drills for emergencies are a good way to keep protocols fresh in people’s minds, these should be at least held every 6 months ShakeOut is held on 24th October this year – get your workplace involved by signing up.
First Aid Training: Ensure that staff are trained in basic first aid, and that you have first aid kits available.
Emergency supplies: Maintain a stock of emergency supplies, including food, water, flashlights, and batteries. These supplies should sustain staff for at least 3 days
Contact Information: Compile a list of essential contacts, including staff, suppliers, clients, and insurance providers. It is also advised that you have a communication plan which outlines a number of communication tools to enable contact with staff and other essential contacts.
Alternative Arrangements: Plan for situations where you cannot access your premises or critical files.
Consider Disabled Staff: Engage with disabled staff to understand their needs during emergencies.
3. Look After Your Staff
As an employer, your duty of care extends to your staff’s well-being during and after disasters:
Involve Staff: Collaborate with your staff to identify risks and create an emergency plan.
Personal Workplace Emergency Plans: Ensure that each staff member knows who to contact during an emergency and that they have a plan to get home safely.
Support Disabled Staff: Address the unique needs of disabled staff members and consider how to assist visitors with disabilities.
4. Continuity and Contingency Planning
Disruptions can take various forms. Use the step-by-step guide provided by business.govt.nz to create a comprehensive continuity and contingency plan. This plan is vital for your business’s survival.
Remember, preparedness is not a one-time effort. Regularly review and update your emergency plan to adapt to changing circumstances. By prioritising safety and resilience, your workplace can effectively navigate any disaster that comes its way.
Stay safe and prepared!
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