An office emergency can be anything that disrupts, threatens, shuts down, or otherwise causes physical or environmental damage to the workplace and/or its workers. Most employers spend a great deal of money on disaster insurance to recoup the economic loss caused by the physical damage of a disaster. However, many drop the ball when it comes to taking adequate measures to protect their employees.
Below are several first aid and safety items every office needs to ensure the wellbeing of their employees so they can return to work and help sustain the business after a disaster.
Table of Contents
A First Aid Kit
For minor medical situations, a first aid kit is essential. It contains a plethora of medical supplies necessary to treat minor sprains, cuts, and other minor issues until suitable medical help can be sought. An adequate office first aid kit should contain:
- Gauze and gauze pads
- Ace bandages
- Band-aids
- Wound cleaning solution or towelettes
- Scissors
- Blanket
- Tweezers
- Adhesive tape
- Latex gloves
- Resuscitation equipment
- Splint
- Directions for seeking emergency help
A Supply Of Drinking Water And Non-Perishable Bars
Should a major disaster occur, there’s no telling how long it will take rescue personnel to reach you. You and your employees may need to shelter in place, which means you’ll need water and food to survive.
Use part of your office storage space for a generous supply of emergency drinking water and non-perishable food bars – enough for each employee to last 2-3 days.
3. Gloves And Goggles
In the event of a major disaster, such as an earthquake, fire, or tornado, it may become necessary to dig your way out from under the rubble, or you may need to help others do the same. In this case, it will be useful to have protective gloves and goggles to help you navigate the dusty path to freedom.
Be sure to have enough heavy-duty leather gloves and sturdy safety goggles for several people to use in the event of an emergency.
Dust Masks
Some emergencies can make it hard to breathe. Smoke, dust, and other irritants can hinder people’s ability to help themselves or others, so make sure your office emergency kit includes a good supply of dust masks.
AM/FM Radio
During a natural disaster, TV and cell phones may stop working, making it very difficult to keep up with what’s happening in the outside world. Radio, on the other hand, often continues to function. Have a good AM/FM radio and plenty of batteries on hand to keep tabs on the events taking place outside your office building.
Flashlights And Light Sticks
the electricity will likely go out during an emergency. you’ll want as much light as possible to help you find your way out or to help others, so make sure you have a few heavy-duty flashlights with plenty of batteries as well as a stock of light sticks on hand and within easy access.
Portable Toilet And Sanitation Supplies
Again, there’s no telling how long you’ll need to shelter in place with your coworkers, so you’ll need adequate sanitation supplies to keep things as clean and as hygienic as possible. Your emergency preparedness kit should contain a portable toilet, toilet bags, deodorizer packets, toilet paper, sanitary towelettes, hand sanitizer, and plastic gloves.
No one likes to think that a major emergency will happen in the workplace, but things do happen. The more you prepare ahead of time, the more likely you and your employees are to endure and survive the situation. Make sure your office has the seven emergency and safety items above on hand.