How to prepare your business for an emergency
How to prepare your business for an emergency
Accidents in the workplace are a common occurrence. It doesn’t matter if your business is office- based or if you own a massive factory with dangerous machinery, accidents happen. That’s why you need to make sure that you have a comprehensive emergency plan in place to deal with the occurrence of any urgent situation in your business.
Here’s everything you need to have in place for your business
- First aid kit
You need to have a fully stocked first-aid kit on your premises to treat any injuries if an accident happens. It is important that all your employees know where this kit is located. The kit must be clearly marked with a white cross on a green background and stored in a clean area where the contents of the kit won’t be infected by dirt.
Minimum contents of a first aid kit
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Wound cleaner / antiseptic (100ml) |
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Swabs for cleaning wounds |
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Cotton wool for padding (100g) |
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Sterile gauze (minimum quantity 10) |
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1 pair of forceps (for splinters) |
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1 pair of scissors (minimum size 100mm) |
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1 set of safety pins |
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4 triangular bandages |
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4 roller bandages (75mm x 5m) |
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4 roller bandages (100mm x 5m) |
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1 roll of elastic adhesive (25mm x 3m) |
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1 Non-allergenic adhesive strip (25mm x 3m) |
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1 Packet of adhesive dressing strips (minimum quantity 10 assorted sizes) |
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4 First aid dressings (75mm x 100mm) |
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4 First aid dressings (150mm x 200mm) |
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2 Straight splints |
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2 Pairs large and 2 pairs medium disposable latex gloves |
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2 CPR mouth pieces or similar devices |
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An adequate supply of absorbent material for the absorption of blood and other body fluids spilled |
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Disinfectant to disinfect the area after cleaning up blood and other body fluids spilled. |
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2 Pairs large and 2 pairs medium disposable rubber household gloves. |
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A suitable sized impervious bag for the safe disposal of blood and other body fluid contaminated biohazard materials |
- Trained first aiders
It is always a good idea to send a few of your employees on a basic first aid course. Make sure that the person completes a nationally accredited training course. This will give them the ability to help any member of your staff if they are injured or suddenly become ill. You should have at least one first aider for every 35 employees in your building.
- Put an evacuation plan in place
Emergencies are not only related to personal injuries. In a fire breaks out in the building, you must get your employees out of harm’s way is a safe, calm and effective manner. Clearly mark all the emergency exists, highlight the location of fire hydrants and fire extinguishers and consider running mock evacuation drills at least one a year.
- Consider appointing an emergency task team
Businesses that work in conditions where the risk of accidents is high should consider appointing an emergency task team. This team should be able to handle any emergencies that may occur in the business. They must also be fully trained first aiders with an in-depth understanding on how to treat patients in a medical emergency.
- Keep all your emergency contacts updated
If an emergency happens, you need to quickly assess the situation and contact the relevant authorities. Make sure that your emergency contacts list is completely updated to avoid unnecessary delays in getting emergency assistance to your business premises.
Remember to review your emergency procedures often. The working environment changes quickly, new employees will need training on all your safety procedures. If new equipment is brought in or you rearrange the positioning of your machinery, you need to update your procedures.