Is Your Workplace Ready for an Emergency?

The first week of May is National Emergency Preparedness Week across Canada. Why should your business consider preparing an emergency response plan? Because disasters can happen anywhere, often with little or no warning according to the Red Cross.

Think it could never happen to your business?

A small selection of disasters in the recent past that had significant impact on businesses in that area:

Hurricane Katrina (2005)

Lac-Megantic train disaster (2013)

Goderich tornado (2011)

Walkerton water tragedy (2000)

Quebec Ice Storm (1998)

Baltimore riots (2015)

Toronto ice storm (2013)

Calgary floods (2013)

Is your business prepared for an unexpected situation, whether it be a debillitating natural disaster, a toxic chemical spill near your location, or even a less extremne problem like a snowstorm or teacher strike? 

Did you know?

Did you know that up to 40% of small businesses do not reopen after a disaster like a flood, tornado or earthquake (Source: Red Cross). What can you do to protect your business, your employees, and your customers? How do you ensure that your business is able to continue operating or get reopened as quickly as possible?

Some things to consider:

• Create a specific command structure and communication plan for your business in the event of a crisis, including details on where to meet if your building is not suitable or accessible and how you will communicate with your team members
• Back-up your critical business data and keep copies off-site (including employee phone numbers)
• Ensure your business has an appropriate number of people trained in first aid and that you have stocked flashlights with extra batteries, first aid kits, tools, as well as an emergency supply of food and water for employees and customers if they were unexpectedly confined at your workplace
• Take precautions in your workplace to mitigate the risk of physical damage such as bolting tall bookcases or display cases to wall studs

Download the Red Cross checklist for your business

If you would like to learn more about establishing health and safety solutions for your business, we'd love to speak with you. Contact Anna at (519) 624-0800 or anna@clearpathemployer.com.

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