Emergencies can occur anywhere and at any time. Floods, fires, explosions, accidents, natural disasters and chemical spills are just some of the many occurrences that can never be ruled out.
Businesses and organisations have a legal duty to plan emergency responses to protect staff and members of the public. Developments in technology are making the emergency planning process more thorough and improving emergency preparedness, which is positive news for everyone.
Why does my organisation need emergency planning?
Every organisation needs emergency planning and preparation to protect its staff and members of the public in several scenarios. Timely and effective action goes a long way to reducing any potential consequences of an unforeseen incident or event.
Planning shouldn’t just take into account steps taken in the immediate aftermath of an emergency, but also steps to mitigate such events (if at all possible) and procedures to help in the days or weeks after.
Some sectors should also be ready to assist with responses to more widespread emergencies in society. For example, some supermarket companies will be asked to help in the event of a mass shortage of food supplies or disruption to food networks for whatever reason. So emergency preparedness shouldn’t just be focused solely on your organisation but on the potential needs of the world around it.
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How is technology being used to make workplaces safer?
Fortunately, advanced technology continues to be applied to business and emergency planning to improve its effectiveness. Some of the main applications are as follows:
Computer-aided design
Simulating different emergency scenarios and testing responses has been made so much easier with the developments in digital CAD software. Workplace layouts, evacuation routes and design specifications can be tested and simulated before anything is built, so new buildings come with safety considerations built in.
Data and predictive analytics
Predicting events and raising alarms more quickly gives workplaces and communities precious time to prepare for potential emergencies unfolding. Big data sets can be utilised to identify patterns which can be used to inform planning and strategy in response. The more preparation can be invested in, the more can be done to reduce the impacts of emergencies.
Mobile applications and emergency alerts
In recent years, we’ve seen the government testing and implementing emergency alerts to warn people of a risk to life in their area. These are messages sent to people’s mobile devices to warn them and provide guidance on what to do in that particular scenario. It’s a powerful tool that can be used to increase awareness in a short space of time and potentially save lives.
Emergency planning is crucial for every organisation, both for staff safety and that of members of the public. Technology will continue to develop and bolster emergency preparedness for the benefit of everyone.
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.
