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Reader Panel - Emergency preparedness |
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Written by Michelle Gault
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Friday, 14 February 2003 |
Here's what our 173 respondents had to say:
1. Does your organization currently have an emergency plan?
Good news: According to our survey results, 95 percent of respondents have an emergency preparedness plan at their workplace.
2. Who has the most direct responsibility for emergency preparedness at your workplace?
Given a choice of several titles, 59 percent said emergency preparedness is the responsibility of the oh&s personnel. The next highest score was "chief executive officer," at 12 percent. One percent checked "chief financial officer."
The remaining 25 percent checked "other". Here are some of the titles those respondents listed as having responsibility for emergency preparedness: managers, directors, security personnel, facilities/utilities personnel, and people with the word "emergency" built right into their title ? such as "director of emergency operations" or "emergency preparedness coordinator."
We're glad to report that only three percent of respondents checked "no one (ie. There is no emergency plan)," and that only a handful said they had no idea who was responsible for emergency preparedness in their workplace.
3. Is a new or revamped emergency plan in the works, either now or in the near future?
Just over half (57 percent) of respondents said yes. Panelists were given the opportunity to comment on this question, and several added that they review their emergency plan at least annually. Other comments include:
· "We are revamping to meet what is expected to be new regulations. This is also being done in coordination with the local fire inspector."
· "Yes, due to changes in building configuration."
· "We just completed ISO 14001 which incorporated an active emergency response plan."
· "Government downsizing has drastically cut resources and funds available to continue with a viable program as is. Priorities have to be reassessed and safety must be the main concern for the remaining employees."
· "Was forced through a workwell audit to change from a short, clear, concise plan to one that is overly long and wordy."
4. Which of the following are a high priority concern at your workplace? (Check all that apply).
The results are listed in descending order:
Fire/explosion............................63%
Risk assessment...........................57%
Chemical spills...........................50%
Plant security............................44%
IT security...............................36%
Crisis communication (PR).................36%
Business continuity planning..............35%
Human resources effects of a crisis.......32%
Natural disasters.........................31%
Building an emergency response team.......28%
Comments:
· "One cannot be over-prepared. Expect the worst."
· "Business continuity is a hot topic right now. Many companies are realizing that they have to have comprehensive plans in place. In some industries this is a high requirement from the customer base."
· "As a university, we are often worried about bomb scares (at exam time)."
· "We are currently looking for better ways to evacuate persons requiring assistance from a high-rise building."
· "Due to 9-11, recent media and Greenpeace attention highlighting chemical and nuclear security concerns, this has become a top priority for each of our facilities within our company."
If you would like to be added to our list of COS Reader Panelists who receive our bi-monthly surveys, please send an e-mail to the editor at
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