Climate Change Disasters Heighten The Need For EAPs
Climate change has helped drive a fivefold increase in the number of weather-related disasters in the last 50 years,
according to the U.N. agency, the World Meteorological Organization. As weather-related disasters contin- ue to grow, it’s also important to note that they are happening in areas of the country that weren’t affected in the past. The above highlights the impor-
team member actions during workplace emergencies. Well-developed emergency plans and proper team mem- ber training will result in fewer and less severe team mem- ber injuries and less damage to your facility and equip- ment during emergencies. Look at your existing EAP and begin conversations to identify and assess additional risks and threats. What are
Chase Kammerer
tance of not only ensuring your facility has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) but also that you’ve enhanced it to cover every possible disaster that could come your way. An EAP aims to facilitate and organize employer and
some of the changes you have noticed more recently that may get you to dive deeper into the safety and security of your employees and plant? Some topics to get you started could include: • What other natural disasters could impact your facility? • Are evacuation policies and procedures still relevant? • How will you alert employees in an emer- gency? • How often do you provide training and drills for employees? • Have employees been trained for all pos- sible events? • Do you have an emergency response team outside the impact area to help em- ployees secure your facility and navigate evacuation? Be specific about your workplace opera- tions and tailor all responses to fit the crisis. Once you have enhanced your EAP, review- ing your business continuity plan is essen- tial. The business continuity plan aims to minimize disruptions to your business once damages have occurred. The plan should identify critical operations and ensure you have another way to continue production and communications. Below are some spe- cific things to consider: • Do you have a clear strategy for supply chain management? In other words, how will you keep up production or restore business operations during a natural di- saster? • How will you manage internal and exter- nal communications with your customers and key stakeholders?
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August 29, 2022
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