One-Third of Workers Don’t Feel Prepared for a Workplace Emergency

Are your employees prepared for a workplace emergency?
According to a National Safety Council poll, many may not be.
The poll found that 34% of workers in the United States do not feel well-trained in workplace emergency practices, including evacuation.
The findings reveal a disconnect between workers’ perceptions and those of their employers. Seventy-five percent of managers and supervisors say their employees are well trained to handle an emergency.
In light of the findings, the National Safety Council is calling for all employers to review emergency processes and procedures.
The Council found workers in some industries feel better prepared for an emergency than others.

Eighty-three percent of employees who work in public transportation feel they were equipped to handle an emergency, while only 51% of food service workers believe prepared.
To better prepare workers for emergencies, NSC recommends employers:

• Conduct regular fire and tornado drills.
• Provide workplace violence education and training, including how to handle an active shooter situation.
• Communicate impending risks, including inclement weather.
• Offer First Aid and CPR training to employees.
• Understand how well trained employees believe they are by conducting regular employee perception surveys.