As we enter into the new year it is more important than ever to assure safety for staff. The stress of the last approximately two years has increased stress, anxiety and overall fatigue. The community seems more divided than ever. Threats of an ever changing virus as well as pent up anger and fatigue has pushed some to a place of fear. This same experience can push others to act out. Whether it is rude comments, reckless behavior or worse, it is important to provide a safe workplace for your staff.
Many offices are opening back up after the New Year. Many schools are getting back to normal hours after hybrid schedules and increased digital days. However there is still a cloud of anxiety and uncertainty around us. The best gift you can give your staff is peace of mind knowing you are prepared for any emergency that arises.
How to Increase Safety for Staff in the New Year
Get a risk assessment
It is crucial to understand potential risks in your organization. Every organization should have a plan that addresses workplace violence and other non natural disaster related emergencies. Risk specific to your area, such as earthquake or hurricane must also be specified.
Have an emergency preparedness plan
Once you know the potential risks, next is getting a plan in place. If your organization and staff have an emergency preparedness plan in place it will create a smoother and more successful response.
Give staff tools and resources they need to be safe
No matter the type of organization you have, giving staff the correct tools to be safe is necessary. Whether it is training, communication systems or actual tools such as hard hats the right tools can change the outcome of an emergency situation.
Train your staff and create a culture of safety
When you know the risk, you have a plan and all the right tools now it is time to train staff. Having a standard and expectation of the response needed if an emergency occurs increases safety and feelings of well being. The hopes are that you will never have to use the training, however fears are calmed when you have a plan and can execute if needed.
Communication
Communication is key. All the information and training and tools are worthless if people don’t have the communication to let them know a threat is upon them. Communicating frequently through multiple channels is a must when keeping all staff informed and ready for any threat that may arise. Using the NEW team alert pad from Alert Protection Services is a must for any organization who wants to invest in the safety of staff.
This system allows you to:
“Communicate any threat or moment of crisis with your entire facility’s occupants and guests regardless of mobile device availability or access to the core system.”
All of these can help increase safety for staff in the new year. For more information on getting a plan in place go here.
