We are all vulnerable to disasters - whether they're the work of Mother Nature in the form of earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, tornado or flood or the deliberate work of mankind in the form of arson, bombing or other acts of terrorism. Surviving such disasters often hinges on being prepared. This is why emergency preparedness and contingency planning are mandatory. Here are some things to consider when preparing a disaster plan for your workplace.

Workplace Disasters

Every workplace is at risk for a life safety emergency. Life safety emergency is any unplanned event that could cause death or significant injury to employees, clients or visitors; or that can shut down business, disrupt operations or cause physical and environmental damage. Some examples of life safety emergencies include:

Disaster Plan Objectives

The key objectives and components of a successful disaster plan include:

• Continuation of a healthy and safe work environment
• Minimal interruption to business and service operations
• Resumption of critical operations within a specified time frame
• Minimal financial loss
• Assurance to all stakeholders that the company is functional and operational

The Pre-Planning Steps

There are three main areas of concern when developing a disaster plan: response, recovery and restoration. But before you even begin drafting the plan, there are two things you need to do first.

1. Form a Team

Your first step is to form an Emergency Planning Team (EPT) to develop disaster planning policies and procedures. Include the following personnel or their designated representatives in your EPT:

• Senior officer of the company
• Senior officer of the facility management unit
• Senior officer of the human resources unit
• Local community government official
• Communications officer
• Specialty consultants (e.g., hazardous waste disposal)

This team should meet periodically to review processes, participate in the health & safety committee and conduct periodic table top exercises to ensure everyone understands their role in a disaster situation.

2. Look at Your Mission Statement

As you know, employers are obligated to provide safety and prevent harm to its employees in the workplace from recognized hazards. Natural disasters and terrorism are arguably recognized hazards. Ideally, a company should have a mission statement that outlines the company's role and intent to provide safety to its employees and facility occupants from all recognized hazards. This mission statement will serve as your focus while preparing the disaster plan.

Conclusion

Next week, we'll look at the three components of a disaster plan: response, recovery and restoration.

KIDS' SAFETY
Canada Safety Council Pops a Heely 
By Catherine Jones

CSC hits the brakes on Heelys.

"Heelys," the latest fashion trend in children's footwear, has rolled onto the radar of the Canada Safety Council. For the uninitiated, "heelys," are sneakers equipped with a detachable wheel on the heel. With just a flick of the foot, the running shoe transforms into a miniature version of an in-line skate.

Concerned about the danger posed not only to the shoe's wearer but also to by-standers, the CSC is calling for a ban on "heeling" in public buildings, schools and playgrounds. The CSC also recommends that when heeling, children don the same protective gear they'd wear when skateboarding or in-line skating. The company seems to agree. On the "How to Heel" page of their website (www.heelyscanada.com), Heelys Canada first directs users to wear protective gear, including helmets, wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads.

The CSC cautions parents to ensure that kids stay off roads, sidewalks and wet surfaces while "heeling" and notes that about a month's worth of daily practice is required to become an adept heeler.

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