Emergency Planning Policy

Emergency Planning

Policy

Woodlands & Hill Brow Ltd believes it is important that its staff are prepared for accidents, emergencies and disasters so that they can respond to them quickly and effectively. We believe that in such circumstances, it is vital that managers and staff know exactly what to do and that preparations are made to cover all eventualities.

In this organisation the following will be observed.

1.  The organization will be prepared for any emergencies that might occur and plans are in place to cover all possible scenarios and contingencies. This includes plans for:

1. disasters or serious emergencies
2. accidents
3. medical emergencies
4. short-staffing emergencies
5. winter emergencies and power cuts
6. heat wave emergencies
7. fire
8. Floods
9. infection control and public health emergencies
10. security emergencies
11. transport emergencies.

1. To control against the above risks a Business Continuity Plan will is in place which is based upon a risk assessment and regularly updated and monitored. The assessment identifies threats and risks to the continuity of the main functions of the organization while the contingency plan outlines steps to be taken to reduce the risks.
2. The organization will be aware of and co-ordinate with any local authority emergency plans which cover large-scale, serious emergencies in the area, for instance serious floods or disasters.
3. There will be suitable numbers of staff on duty at all times to cover both the day-to-day activities of the organization and any emergencies or unforeseen incidents.
4. There will be adequate numbers of both suitably trained, certified first aiders and appointed persons to cover all shifts worked in the organization in order to provide cover for medical emergencies and accidents.
5. Fire procedures, arrangements and policies are kept up to date and include provision for the safe, orderly evacuation of the building.
6. Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are installed as advised by a fire prevention professional, and staff trained to recognise the symptoms of CO poisoning emergencies.
7. Flood warnings are monitored and the organization will work with local authorities and emergency services to be prepared to take any appropriate action in the event of local flooding.
8. An evacuation and relocation plan is in place should the need arise to evacuate to a place of safety.
9. Any suspected outbreak of infectious disease will be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.
10. Plans and procedures are in place to be followed in the event of an alert or breach of security, or in the event of an attack or aggression directed at a member of staff.
11. Arrangements will be made to draft in extra staff in the event of a staffing shortage or emergency.
12. On call back-up arrangements are in place whereby staff on duty have someone to call in the event of an emergency or if they require extra help.
13. All computer systems have back-up provision so that essential data is not lost in the case of an IT failure.

To reduce the risk of emergencies due to winter, cold, icy and or stormy weather, the organisation will:

1. ensure that staff have a current list of emergency contact phone numbers for electricity, gas and water suppliers
2. ensure heating equipment is installed properly and that a trained specialist has inspected and serviced it every year
3. discourage the use of extra heaters wherever possible
4. have a back-up heating plan in case of power cuts
5. grit paths and steps.

To reduce the risk of emergencies due to summer or extreme heat wave conditions, the organisation will:

1. take steps to ensure that the premises are kept as cool as possible
2. have adequate numbers of fans available
3. follow local resilience heatwave plans

Emergency phone numbers are as follows.

1. In the event of a medical emergency, staff should administer first aid as appropriate and call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
2. In the event of a fire emergency, staff should raise the alarm, evacuate the building, and call 999 and ask for the fire brigade.
3. In the event of a security emergency or a violent attack, staff should call 999 and ask for the police.

Training

All emergency plans are drawn up with staff involvement and communicated to staff on induction, during regular training and through any appropriate means of communication such as at staff meetings and briefings, etc.

All staff are made aware of any emergency numbers to ring and back-up arrangements.