1.Identify the risks to your business and staff
Find out what the risks are and how they can impact your business. Risks include natural hazards, health emergencies and utility failures.
If you have staff, talk to them about the risks they think are most relevant to your business.
Here is more on assessing health and safety risks
2.Make an emergency plan for your business
Businesses have an obligation to be prepared for an emergency. In most cases, we can’t predict when an emergency will happen. But we can make plans to make sure our staff are safe, our financial and personal losses are reduced and we are able to get back to business as soon as possible.
Included in your plan
- Emergency procedures for fire, earthquake, tsunami and other hazards.
- Assembly points, wardens and first aid training.
- How to contact staff, suppliers, clients and insurance providers.
- Alternative arrangements if you are unable to access your premises, files, etc.
Talk to your disabled staff. Determine what support they may need in the event of an emergency. Also, consider how you might need to assist any visitors with disabilities.
Make sure you and your staff are ready by doing emergency planning
3.Look after your staff
Staff are your most important asset. They bring unique skills and knowledge, hold key relationships, and provide a high level of flexibility to your organisation. During a time of disruption, your staff could be the difference between success and failure.
As an employer, you have a duty of care to your staff, including caring for them during and after emergencies.
Start by involving your staff in identifying risks and making an emergency plan. Talk to them about what they, and their whānau, would need to get through an emergency.
Make sure your staff have personal workplace emergency plans so they know who to contact at work in an emergency and have a plan to get home safely.
In an emergency, your staff may be stuck at work or unable to take transport home for a day or more.
Make sure you have enough supplies for everyone onsite for three days. This should include for visitors too.
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4.Create contingency plans
Develop a contingency plan for your whole business. It should include staff, information, assets, customers, suppliers and distribution channels.
- Identify your core business needs and how you’d manage in an emergency.
- Back up your data.
- Know how to contact staff and suppliers.
- Test your backup systems.