<p>This is considered by many as a huge environmental concern. Humans generate <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/29/can-new-technology-solve-a-trillion-pound-garbage-problem.html">trillions of pounds of waste</a> annually, but there aren&#8217;t enough spaces for disposal anymore. Governments are pushing for proper waste management, especially for the kind which poses a dire threat to life.</p>
<h2>What is Hazardous Waste?</h2>
<p>The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/hazardous-substances/">hazardous</a> waste as waste that has a dangerous effect on humans and their surroundings. This can originate from various sources and take different physical forms (liquid, solid, or gas).</p>
<p>It is hard to define a particular substance as hazardous, which is why the agency created a <a href="https://www.epa.gov/hw/defining-hazardous-waste-listed-characteristic-and-mixed-radiological-wastes#listed">system</a> that could help them identify and regulate it.</p>
<p>Here are four types of hazardous wastes based on their key characteristics:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ignitability</strong> &#8211; This type can cause a fire. Examples of this include gasoline, kerosene, and solvents.</li>
<li><strong>Corrosivity</strong> &#8211; Either very acidic or basic, this corrodes or eats away at surfaces or anything it comes in contact with. Lead batteries, rust removers, and caustic waste from hot tanks are a few examples.</li>
<li><strong>Reactivity</strong> &#8211; Unstable even in normal conditions, this type may explode or give off toxic gases. Pressurized aerosols, lithium-sulfur batteries, and bleach concentrates are all reactive.</li>
<li><strong>Toxicity</strong> &#8211; Whether ingested or absorbed, this has lethal effects on any living thing. Pentachlorophenol-treated wood, paint with metal pigments, and used oil filters with benzene or lead are just some examples.</li>
</ul>
<p>Although <strong>radioactivity</strong> is also detrimental to living things, it is not included in the list above mainly because two other government agency deal with this material. Found in “mixed radiological and hazardous waste,” the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) are responsible for handling it. The EPA covers the ‘hazardous’ component of this type of waste.</p>
<p>Another characteristic not included in the list above is <strong>infectious</strong>. Also referred to as <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/biological-hazard-examples/">biohazards</a>, this type usually comes from hospitals and laboratories and may contain harmful microbes. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is the governing office for this type.</p>
<h2>Importance</h2>
<p>Everyone knows that hazardous waste is dangerous. What a lot of people don’t realize is that this can come from anywhere. Everyday household or office items like batteries and cleaning products are, in fact, hazardous.</p>
<p>These eye-opening facts could hopefully move you to follow hazardous <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/waste-management-system/">waste management best practices</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>It is not biodegradable</strong> &#8211; Many waste products do not easily break down in the environment. Aerosol cans may still explode after years of getting buried in landfills, acids will continue eating away at anything it touches, and bacteria can still thrive in thrown needles and syringes.</li>
<li><strong>It contaminates soil, water, and air</strong> &#8211; Semi-solid and liquid lethal wastes can seep into farmlands and groundwater. Liquid and gas wastes can explode and pollute the air. Every living thing is in peril when no environmental regulations are in effect.</li>
<li><strong>It causes disease</strong> &#8211; Aside from a long list of health problems, experts believe that a very high percentage of <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-many-cancers-are-caused-by-the-environment/">cancer cases is linked to exposure to various chemicals</a>. Worse, some of these can be transmitted from one person to another if not immediately checked.</li>
</ul>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Streamline Your Hazardous Waste Management with SafetyCulture&#8221;]</p>
<h2>Regulations</h2>
<p>Although the goal is the same, every country, state, or province has its own hazardous waste management regulations.</p>
<p>In the United States, the EPA enforces the law relating to waste and pollution control in general. However, other agencies handle specific waste, like the DOD and the NRC for radioactive materials and the CDC for pathogenic and infectious wastes.</p>
<p>There are liabilities for not following the set rules for waste management. Other than fines, offenders may be subjected to civil and criminal proceedings.</p>
<h2>Process</h2>
<p>There are several steps in the proper management of hazardous waste. Following these and the guidelines surrounding it is critical to ensure the health and safety of the people involved.</p>
<h3>Generation</h3>
<p>Because waste originates from various activities, generators are directly responsible for what becomes of the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/health-and-safety/hazardous-materials/">hazardous materials</a> or waste they have created. The following actions are imperative:</p>
<ul>
<li>Identification, characterization, and measurement of the waste</li>
<li>Segregation of hazardous from non-hazardous types (e.g., garbage and refuse)</li>
<li>Full documentation of the waste and actions taken</li>
<li>Notification of the EPA or other authorities</li>
</ul>
<h3>Storage</h3>
<p>Companies should have the proper <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/underground-storage-tank/">storage facilities</a> and equipment for the waste they generated because collection and transportation do not happen immediately. Here are specific directives:</p>
<ul>
<li>Store in sealed, compatible containers that should be closed at all times, except when adding more waste.</li>
<li>Label with proper tags.</li>
<li>Segregate incompatible wastes to prevent negative reactions.</li>
<li>Maintain proper ventilation and temperature inside facilities.</li>
</ul>
<p>Well-equipped companies usually have their own provisions for treating these materials. But when they don’t, treatment is done in specialized facilities.</p>
<h3>Collection and Transportation</h3>
<p>Special vehicles, appropriate containers, and certified transporters are required because the waste poses numerous threats to the areas traversed. Sometimes, transport needs come from the generators. Most of the time, third-party suppliers are hired. Whichever companies use, these <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a416df9b39e7a05fc0a655078320d627&amp;mc=true&amp;node=pt40.26.263&amp;rgn=div5">EPA requirements</a> must be met:</p>
<ul>
<li>EPA <a href="https://www.epa.gov/hwgenerators/how-hazardous-waste-generators-transporters-and-treatment-storage-and-disposal">ID number</a> for transport vehicles</li>
<li><a href="https://www.epa.gov/hwgenerators/hazardous-waste-manifest-system">Manifest system</a> for tracking locations and facilities</li>
<li>Shipping documents for water and rail transports</li>
<li>Exemption documents for <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f8dbf7319774464838cb34cd865f2508&amp;mc=true&amp;node=pt40.26.263&amp;rgn=div5#se40.26.263_120">small quality generators</a> (SGQ) for materials that are either recycled or reclaimed</li>
<li>Incident reports for discharges or accidental spills</li>
<li>Department of Transportation (DOT) <a href="https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/phmsa-regulations">requirements</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Treatment</h3>
<p>This aims to eradicate, or at the very least minimize, the harmfulness of the generated waste. Both government and private entities continue to figure out more viable and cost-effective methods. But here are some currently used today:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Physical treatment</strong> &#8211; The simplest and least expensive of all methods, this involves binders or chemicals to solidify the waste so it can be safely disposed of in a landfill or incinerated.</li>
<li><strong>Chemical</strong> &#8211; This requires additional chemicals like hydrogen peroxide to render the toxic substance less or non-toxic. Although expensive, chemicals can be used on a variety of hazardous wastes.</li>
<li><strong>Biological</strong> &#8211; This makes use of microorganisms to break down the waste. One example is bioremediation. Although inexpensive, this method takes longer to complete and works only on a few types.</li>
<li><strong>Thermal</strong> &#8211; This requires heat to eradicate the substance or its toxicity. While effective on many wastes, it could also release harmful pollutants into the air if not correctly done.</li>
<li><strong>Membrane filtration</strong> &#8211; This is the further separation of the different components of a dangerous substance for proper disposal or recycling. One example of this is reverse osmosis.</li>
<li><strong>Electrochemical</strong> &#8211; This utilizes electrical currents to break down waste, making it less or non-toxic. Electrocoagulation is a good example of this method.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Disposal</h3>
<p>This final step does not mean just discarding the waste in a dump yard. Various <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/hazardous-waste-disposal/">disposal methods</a> can be used, depending on the hazardous waste itself and the treatment it went through</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Landfilling</strong> &#8211; The most common method of disposal, this is burying the substance in a proper site to prevent the contamination of its surroundings.</li>
<li><strong>Incineration</strong> &#8211; This involves the controlled burning of the waste, rendering it non-toxic or reducing its volume, and capturing the possibly hazardous ash it creates.</li>
<li><strong>Recycling</strong> &#8211; Human health, the environment, and resource conservation go hand in hand with this method. However, recycling comes with numerous risks since recycled materials could still be toxic.</li>
</ul>


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worker managing hazardous waste in landfills

Facility Management

Maintenance

Hazardous Waste Management

<h2><strong>Importance</strong></h2>
<p>Emergencies like a fire breaking out happen when least expected. The only way to successfully deal with this is to be ready. A critical part of the preparation is <a href="https://blog.safetyculture.com/ask-the-experts/fire-risk-assessment">fire risk assessment</a>. Here are specific reasons for doing it as soon as possible:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Recognize risks</strong> &#8211; Poorly maintained <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/electrical-hazards/">electrical lines</a> and inadequate <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/ppe-safety/ppe-requirements/">safety equipment</a> are not immediately apparent to workers. But by going through the nooks and crannies of the workplace, assessors can identify potential causes of fire and make suggestions on how to deal with it.</li>
<li><strong>Allocate resources properly</strong> &#8211; Hazards come in different shapes and forms, and it’s unbelievably expensive to address all of them at once. Evaluations allow managers to prioritize tasks.</li>
<li><strong>Save on costly repairs and revamps</strong> &#8211; Fires, if unchecked, can obliterate everything. Not only is <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/disaster-restoration/">damage restoration</a> expensive for the company, but it also halts operations.</li>
<li><strong>Comply with regulations</strong> &#8211; Conducting checks is a must according to the law. If a company fails routine fire risk evaluation by government inspectors, they face hefty fines or closures.</li>
<li><strong>Potentially save lives</strong> &#8211; Ultimately, the goal of conducting this at the workplace is to ensure people’s health and safety. Equipment maintenance and provision of appropriate training help minimize or eradicate hazards. And if the unfortunate happens, they would know how to keep themselves and others safe.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Process</strong></h2>
<p>Similar to a general <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-assessment/fire-risk-assessment/">risk assessment</a>, a fire risk assessment involves several steps. Although this takes a considerable amount of company time and resources, meticulously going through each step is necessary because this is a matter of life and death.</p>
<h3>Identify <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/line-of-fire-hazards/">Fire Hazards</a></h3>
<p>Fire hazard assessment is a key component of the process. This identifies the <a href="https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/reports/fire-causes/">possible source of the fire</a> and the type of fire it can create.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Class A</strong>
<ul>
<li>Potential hazards: Common combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth</li>
<li>Usual setting: Carpentry shops, textile factories, boutiques, and offices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Class B</strong>
<ul>
<li>Potential hazards: Flammable liquids and gases like oil, gasoline, and propane tanks</li>
<li>Usual settings: Restaurants, various food manufacturing facilities, and car repair yards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Class C</strong>
<ul>
<li>Potential hazards: Any electrical equipment like computers and appliances</li>
<li>Usual settings: Factories for manufacturing, warehouses for electrical items, electrical repair shops, and offices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Class D</strong>
<ul>
<li>Potential hazards: Combustible metals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium, and possible <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/chemical-hazards/">chemical reactions</a></li>
<li>Usual settings: Research laboratories, engineering factories, storage warehouses, and waste treatment and disposal facilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Class K</strong>
<ul>
<li>Potential hazards: Cooking oil, grease build-up, and unattended cooking equipment</li>
<li>Usual settings: Restaurants, coffee shops, and food kiosks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Identify People at Risk</h3>
<p>This is a crucial step because it allows managers to provide their employees with the appropriate protective equipment and, more importantly, adequate <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/fire-safety/fire-safety-training/">safety training</a>. Aside from the individuals who are directly involved in the activity, the people around them should also be protected from risks.</p>
<h3>Evaluate Existing Safety Measures</h3>
<p>This step involves checking the safety measures put in place and ensuring that these are effective in current circumstances and in compliance with regulations. Here are some factors evaluated:</p>
<ul>
<li>Evacuation plans, including adequate signs and lighting</li>
<li>Clear pathways to exit doors</li>
<li>Working <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/fire-extinguisher-inspection/">fire extinguishers</a> and accessories</li>
<li>Water sprinklers</li>
<li><a href="https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/technology/smoke_fire_alarms.html">Smoke detection</a> systems</li>
<li>Smoke suppression systems</li>
<li>Equipment <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/maintenance/">maintenance</a></li>
<li>Fire retardant materials in interiors</li>
<li>Accessibility to firefighters</li>
<li>Frequency of <a href="https://www.nfpa.org/news-and-research/publications-and-media/blogs-landing-page/nfpa-today/blog-posts/2020/08/07/building-and-life-safety-requirements-for-emergency-egress-drills">fire drills</a></li>
<li>Adequate training for safety officers and employees</li>
</ul>
<h3>Assess Risks for Fire</h3>
<p>In this part of the process, evaluators specifically consider the likelihood of a fire breaking out and the extent of damage it could create based on the assessment. These are some factors checked:</p>
<ul>
<li>Ignition source</li>
<li>Fuel source</li>
<li>Oxygen supply</li>
</ul>
<p>Assessors also consider how fires could start so that they can provide additional measures for prevention:</p>
<ul>
<li>Accidental (e.g., when small flames are not fully put out)</li>
<li>Act of omission (e.g., when equipment is not maintained)</li>
<li>Deliberate (e.g., <a href="https://www.usfa.fema.gov/a-z/arson-fire-investigation/">arson</a> attack)</li>
</ul>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Fire Risk Assessment Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h3>Record Findings</h3>
<p>The final step in fire risk assessment is documentation. Record keeping upholds current best practices and allows companies to work on possible amendments to fire safety procedures. Improvements include the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Replacement of faulty equipment</li>
<li>Additional or continued training for workers</li>
<li>Modifications in your existing fire safety procedure due to the hiring of new employees or changes in the landscape of your workplace</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Who Should Conduct Fire Risk Assessments?</strong></h2>
<p>According to legal guidelines, “<a href="https://www.samsltd.co.uk/fire-risk-assessment/#:~:text=The%20employer%20or%20owner%2Foccupant,are%20implemented%20following%20an%20assessment.">competent people</a>” should conduct a fire risk assessment. There is no specific definition provided, but many agree that this means highly knowledgeable in the subject and duly accredited by regulatory offices.</p>
<p>Small to medium enterprises often employ the services of fire safety professionals from their local fire department or health and safety services office. Larger companies usually have a team in place.</p>
<p>It doesn’t matter who is charged to carry out this job as long as they are trained and certified. They should also strictly follow the process so they don’t miss anything that could potentially cause a fire emergency in the future.</p>


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Fire Risk Assessment: How to Keep Your Workplace Safe

Risk Assessment

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<p>The most crucial aspect of asbestos disposal is identifying ACM before beginning the disposal process. Once identified, all ACMs must be protected from potential contact with workers or other people. It&#8217;s also essential to use proper labeling and warning signage.</p>
<p>Asbestos disposal must be handled carefully to protect public health, safety, and the environment, which makes it essential to use a certified contractor who complies with local regulations when performing this type of work.</p>
<h2><strong>How is Asbestos Recycled?</strong></h2>
<p>One of the methods for disposing of asbestos is recycling it. <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/asbestos/">Asbestos</a> can be recycled in several ways:</p>
<ul>
<li>A common method for breaking down asbestos is thermal decomposition. ACM is heated in a concentrated sodium hydroxide solution at temperatures above 1,250 degrees Celsius. Among its uses are to make ceramic and stoneware items, as well as to make aggregate for roads and concrete.</li>
<li>An alternative is transforming asbestos into ceramic blocks or porcelain tiles through microwave thermal treatment.</li>
<li>A third technique involves using a high-speed milling machine to break down the asbestos fibers into non-hazardous inert minerals.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Benefits</strong></h2>
<p>Below are some benefits of properly disposing of and recycling asbestos materials:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Works as a Permanent Solution</strong> &#8211; The recycling process breaks down <a href="https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/asbestos/index.html">asbestos fibers</a> and turns them into a non-toxic material.</li>
<li><strong>Reusable Products</strong> &#8211; There are many applications for the end products.</li>
<li><strong>Reduces Waste</strong> &#8211; Significant volume reduction of asbestos-containing materials through this process saves valuable space in landfills.</li>
<li><strong>Prevents Asbestos from Going to Landfills</strong> &#8211; By recycling asbestos products, we can avoid dumping them into landfills, which shields landfill workers from potential exposure.</li>
<li><strong>Offsets Costs of Abatement</strong> &#8211; Recycling asbestos can help reduce costs associated with abatement by producing a safe material to use rather than paying high costs to dispose of <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/hazardous-waste-disposal/">hazardous waste</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Removes Asbestos from the Waste Stream</strong> &#8211; Converting asbestos into harmless materials is the right thing to do to prevent future asbestos-related illnesses</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Regulations on Asbestos Handling and Disposal</strong></h2>
<p>Asbestos disposal and handling are governed differently worldwide. In the United States, for example, the following federal law and government agencies apply:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/evolution-clean-air-act#:~:text=The%20enactment%20of%20the%20Clean,industrial)%20sources%20and%20mobile%20sources."><strong>Clean Air Act of 1970</strong></a> &#8211; The act declared asbestos a hazardous air pollutant. Under the act, asbestos safety standards were required by the US Environmental Protection Agency.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-toxic-substances-control-act#:~:text=The%20Toxic%20Substances%20Control%20Act%20of%201976%20provides%20EPA%20with,%2C%20drugs%2C%20cosmetics%20and%20pesticides."><strong>Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976</strong></a> &#8211; An act that gave the Environmental Protection Agency authority over asbestos.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/asbestos-national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants"><strong>Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants</strong></a> &#8211; The Clean Air Act mandated the US Environmental Protection Agency to develop standards on how asbestos-containing materials should be treated and disposed of when a building or structure is being demolished or remodeled.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/99th-congress/house-bill/5073"><strong>Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986</strong></a> &#8211; Among the standards set by these acts are how asbestos materials in schools are monitored, handled, and disposed of.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.osha.gov/construction"><strong>Occupational Safety and Health Administration&#8217;s Construction Standards</strong></a> &#8211; Construction sites must comply with these standards when handling and disposing of asbestos.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.osha.gov/general-industry"><strong>Occupational Safety and Health Administration&#8217;s General Industry Standards</strong></a> &#8211; Establish the rules, regulations, and standards for handling and disposing of asbestos in most occupations.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.epa.gov/"><strong>US Environmental Protection Agency</strong></a> &#8211; This agency provides information on asbestos products, abatement, and licensing professionals.</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/osha-standards/"><strong>Occupational Safety and Health Administration</strong></a> &#8211; The agency provides resources on asbestos safety, such as the Asbestos Worker Protection Standard and Construction Standards.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>How Must Hazardous Waste Asbestos be Packaged?</strong></h2>
<p>The Federal and State air quality regulations set the rules and regulations for properly handling and packaging asbestos. Packaging must conform to the restrictions set by the <a href="https://dtsc.ca.gov/toxics-in-packaging-information-for-purchasers-fact-sheet/">Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)</a>.</p>
<p>You must at least contain and transport it as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>Waste materials that have the potential to release fibers into the environment must be placed in leak-proof, non-returnable containers such as plastic bags of at least 6 mil thickness, cartons, drums, or cans. Furthermore, all asbestos waste should be wetted to minimize the possibility of fibers escaping if the container is damaged.</li>
<li>For bulk waste too large to fit into a container without breaking, wet it to keep fibers from spreading if the packaging is damaged, then wrap and seal securely with packaging or duct tape.</li>
<li>For containers such as trailers or drop-boxes of wrapped and sealed asbestos waste, it is necessary to line the container with plastic sheeting and cover it with a tarp. It is also not required to obtain special authorization for wetting asbestos waste as this does not count as treatment.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>How to Properly Label Packaged Asbestos?</strong></h2>
<p>There must be an outside label warning of asbestos dangers on every package or container. In that label, the following warning must be visible and legible.</p>
<ul>
<li>Danger</li>
<li>Contains Asbestos Fibers</li>
<li>Avoid Creating Dust</li>
<li>Cancer and Lung Disease Hazard</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>How to Identify Asbestos Materials for Removal?</strong></h2>
<p>Many homes and structures erected before 1980 may still contain asbestos, which is not visible to the human eye and is challenging to detect. Thus, people must know about common items that may comprise asbestos to avoid exposure. Below is the list of materials containing asbestos.</p>
<ul>
<li>Caulking</li>
<li>Ceiling tiles</li>
<li>Cement sheeting</li>
<li>Concrete</li>
<li>Electrical breakers</li>
<li>Millboard</li>
<li>Plasters</li>
<li>Roof shingles/felt</li>
<li>Sheetrock</li>
<li>Siding</li>
<li>Textured popcorn ceilings</li>
<li>Vinyl floor tiles</li>
<li>Wiring</li>
</ul>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Asbestos Inspection and Disposal Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h2><strong>Procedures for Handling and Disposing of Asbestos</strong></h2>
<p>Once materials containing asbestos have been identified, it is imperative to take proper precautions when handling, transporting, and disposing of them. Below are the procedures that must be followed:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Planning the Project Appropriately</strong> &#8211; Qualified experts can determine the scale and complexity of an <a href="https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Demo/Asbestos.html">asbestos abatement project</a>, which is critically important for regional authorities who authorize varying types of projects.</li>
<li><strong>Preparing the Work Area</strong> &#8211; It&#8217;s essential to cover the work area with plastic sheeting to prevent contamination. At the same time, negative air pressure is applied. Surfaces that don&#8217;t require <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/asbestos/asbestos-removal/">asbestos removal</a> should also be covered with plastic sheeting, and warning signs must be posted to inform others of ongoing asbestos work.</li>
<li><strong>Wearing Personal Safety Protection</strong> &#8211; Workers must wear an N-100 or P-100 respirator and suitable <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/ppe-safety/">Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)</a> to avoid asbestos exposure.</li>
<li><strong>Establishing Safety Protocols in the Work Area</strong> &#8211; When abating asbestos, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/hvac-systems/">HVAC systems</a> must be switched off to stop the circulation of any fibers. To avoid dust accumulation, workers can use wet wipes or a HEPA vacuum cleaner to clean any objects they cannot move away. After the asbestos cleanup, the area should be cleared with a HEPA vacuum.</li>
<li><strong>Handling and Disposing of Asbestos Waste</strong> &#8211; Prepare asbestos-bearing materials for removal by wetting them. After the asbestos waste is moistened, it should be sealed in two layers of 6-millimeter plastic bags and placed in an airtight container with a lid. Dispose of asbestos in special landfills.</li>
<li><strong>Creating Decontamination Units</strong> &#8211; Enclosures must be set up for decontamination so that workers can remove any contaminated clothing, footwear, and tools.</li>
<li><strong>Following Decontamination Procedures</strong> &#8211; Protective clothing and equipment contaminated with asbestos must be removed by the workers following specific procedures to ensure <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/office-safety/employee-safety/">worker safety</a> and prevent the transportation of the hazardous material into their homes.</li>
</ul>


How to Safely Dispose of Asbestos

Safety Management

Asbestos Disposal

<p>Supply chain risk management aims to reduce costly delays, improve operational efficiency, drive better strategic decisions, and reduce overall risk. It focuses on three major areas: supply chain security, supplier management, and logistics/transportation risk management.</p>
<h2><strong>Risk Factors</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/supply-chain-disruption/">Supply chain disruptions</a> expose every company to internal and <a href="https://global.hitachi-solutions.com/blog/supply-chain-risk-management/">external risk</a> factors. Here are the different categories for each risk.</p>
<h3>Internal</h3>
<ul>
<li>Manufacturing risks result from disruptions in internal processes or operations.</li>
<li>Business risks may arise from changes in key employees, management, reporting structures, or purchasing processes.</li>
<li>Planning and control risks result from inadequate evaluation and planning.</li>
<li>Failure to prepare for emergencies or find alternate solutions results in <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-mitigation/supplier-risk-mitigation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mitigation risks</a>.</li>
<li>Cultural risks can arise from companies&#8217; tendency to conceal or postpone undesirable information.</li>
<li>Data breaches and cyber-attacks can result from insufficient cybersecurity risk management policies and controls.</li>
</ul>
<h3>External</h3>
<ul>
<li>Consumer or end-customer demand risks arise from unforeseen or misinterpreted demands.</li>
<li>A disruption in the flow of raw materials or parts within your supply chain creates supply risks and can affect the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/supplier-quality-management/lead-time/">lead time</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/esg-governance/">Economic, social, governmental</a>, and climate issues, as well as the possibility of terrorism, are environmental risks that originate outside the supply chain.</li>
<li>Variables such as a supplier&#8217;s financial stability or managerial expertise or the sale of a supplier&#8217;s company can result in business risks.</li>
<li>A supplier&#8217;s physical facility and regulatory compliance contribute to physical plant risks.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Examples of Risks in Supply Chains</h2>
<p>Supply risk encompasses potential issues involving suppliers, vendors, transporters, retailers, and external entities that can affect the successful execution of operations, performance, sales, and job functions.</p>
<p>These risks can lead to quality problems, legal liabilities, and reputational concerns if not managed carefully or supported with appropriate controls. Here are some examples for further consideration:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Fluctuations in Price</strong> &#8211; Changes in supply or demand, movements in exchange rates, and customs tariffs can all contribute to price hikes, threatening a business&#8217;s financial projections and profitability.</li>
<li><strong>Material Shortages</strong> &#8211; Missing components, materials, or parts can negatively impact the manufacturing of a product. Such shortages may only be temporary if their supplier can keep providing them; otherwise, they could become long-term issues that hinder production.</li>
<li><strong>Supplier Relationships</strong> &#8211; If litigation or any other disagreement arises with your supplier, it can disrupt the supply chain, leading to delivery delays and financial losses.</li>
<li><strong>Quality Failures</strong> &#8211; Poor <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/quality-assurance-and-quality-control/">quality control</a> can lead to product defects that must be fixed or <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/product-recall/">recalled</a>, resulting in losses for the business.</li>
<li><strong>Delivery Failures</strong> &#8211; Delayed shipments from suppliers or third-party vendors can lead to missed deadlines and dissatisfied customers.</li>
<li><strong>Supply Shocks</strong> &#8211; Global or industry-wide disruptions, such as those caused by pandemics, natural disasters, labor disputes, wars, and trade embargoes, can dramatically decrease the supply of goods overnight.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Different Risk Management Strategies</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/a-practical-approach-to-supply-chain-risk-management">Several strategies</a> have been developed in recent years to manage supply chain risks. The most common include:</p>
<h3>Take Advantage of PPRR Risk Management Template</h3>
<p>Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (PPPR) is a widely accepted risk management strategy organizations use in the supply chain. PPPR can be highly beneficial for maintaining <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/business-continuity-plan/">business continuity planning</a>.</p>
<h3>Boost Supply Chain Risk Governance</h3>
<p>Organizations should enhance their risk governance capabilities by monitoring suppliers and setting up emergency response protocols. Strengthening <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/cyber-security/">cybersecurity</a> defenses and using advanced technologies like big data analytics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence can help them anticipate and monitor supply chain risks.</p>
<h3>Systematically Monitor Risks</h3>
<p>Investing in a digital platform to oversee your supply chain offers safety, comfort, and insight into how to <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/supply-chain-management/supply-chain-optimization/">optimize</a> operations. By automating the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-monitoring/">risk monitoring</a> process, you can maintain consistency and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.</p>
<h3>Centralize Data</h3>
<p>Too many software solutions can impede your <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-management/">risk management</a> efforts if you keep business data scattered across multiple systems. Invest in a comprehensive solution that houses all your data in one centralized, organized warehouse to enable you to access analytics and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/predictive-analytics/">predictive analytics</a> and easily share information with others.</p>
<h2><strong>Steps in Supply Chain Risk Management Process</strong></h2>
<p>Think about balancing operating expenses under standard conditions with costs under extreme conditions. Typical risk management frameworks look like this:</p>
<h3>Identify Risks</h3>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-identification/">Identifying risks</a> is a significant part of the risk management process. Start by mapping out your current supply chain and determine which operations are most susceptible to threats. Then, deep dive into each area of the supply chain to identify all potential risks.</p>
<h3>Compile Risk Scores</h3>
<p>Comprehending your risks, the probability of each occurring at a specific location or channel, and its implications on your supply chain are vital. For this reason, risk scoring offers instant insight into which issues need to be tackled first. This method proves to be exceptionally useful in keeping up with potential risks swiftly and efficiently.</p>
<p>By assigning risk scores to activities in the supply chain, it becomes easier to prioritize risks and make informed decisions. You can use numbers, colors, or other visuals to illustrate which risk is most important at any given time.</p>
<h3>Define Mitigation Strategies and Response Plans</h3>
<p>Too many companies cut corners when creating their <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/contingency-planning/">contingency plans</a>, often due to a lack of time. The most effective and thorough method is to dedicate a lot of time to assessing the possible outcomes for each risk, pondering &#8220;what if?&#8221; no matter how arduous this might feel. Inevitably, having an agreed-upon plan that everyone comprehends ensures a prompt response if future risks occur.</p>
<p>Businesses can be ahead of the game by utilizing this form of modeling, ready to take action quickly if a crisis suddenly arises. Even though it may not happen as predicted, planning for possible outcomes will put you in a good position if and when it occurs.</p>
<h3>Develop a Plan</h3>
<p>Constructing a comprehensive plan that considers the data collected from previous steps. While each business may have its individualized risk management strategy, The <a href="https://www.instituteforsupplymanagement.org/files/Tools/SupplyChainRiskMgmtPlans.pdf">Institute for Supply Management</a> suggests incorporating the following five components into the blueprint:</p>
<ol>
<li>Looking for other providers</li>
<li>Discussing with <a href="https://www.jaggaer.com/blog/supply-chain-risk-management/">key suppliers</a></li>
<li>Increasing supplier eligibility</li>
<li>Purchasing more supplies</li>
<li>Discussing with big suppliers</li>
</ol>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Supply Chain Risk Management Checklist&#8221;]</p>


What Causes Supply Chain Risks?

What is the Biggest Risk in Supply Chain?

How Would You Use a Supply Chain Risk Assessment?

What is the Objective of Supply Chain Management?

FAQs About Supply Chain Risk Management

A Guide to Supply Chain Risk Management

a supply chain risk management professional checking deliveries and inventory using a tablet

Business Processes

Operations

Supply Chain Risk Management

<h2>Who Conducts Project Risk Management?</h2>
<p>Project risk management is <a href="https://www.managementconcepts.com/course/id/6103">consistent across all projects</a> yet can change depending on the size and type of project, as different strategies are needed. But, project managers regularly monitor risk management during a project to ensure its successful completion.</p>
<p>It is essential to devote extra attention to managing and minimizing risks for large projects. Conversely, developing an ordered list of the high, medium, and low-risk priorities is sufficient for smaller projects.</p>
<h2>How Do You Identify Project Risks?</h2>
<p>Risks can be identified using a variety of techniques. For instance, <a href="https://www.simplilearn.com/risk-assessment-project-management-article">project managers</a> could use a combination of such methods, like reviewing a checklist in one of their regular meetings and going over assumptions in another meeting. Below are some of the common risk identification techniques:</p>
<ul>
<li>Interviews</li>
<li>Brainstorming</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/checklist-template/">Checklists</a></li>
<li>Assumption analysis</li>
<li>Cause and effect diagrams</li>
<li>Nominal Group Technique (NGT)</li>
<li>Affinity diagram</li>
</ul>
<h2>Common Types of Project Risks</h2>
<p>To minimize possible risks in your project, you must start by correctly identifying what could go wrong. Having an understanding of the details makes this process much more manageable. Hence, every risk management plan should consider these factors.</p>
<h3>Environment, Safety, and Health Risks</h3>
<p>Examples include current <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/weather-disaster/">weather conditions</a>, stock markets, and more. Given the risk of more frequent extreme weather due to global warming, it&#8217;s essential to have this risk assessment when planning large-scale building projects. Considering the potential impacts on your <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/supply-chain-disruption/">supply chain</a> and factories is also necessary.</p>
<h3>Strategic or Competitive Risks</h3>
<p>Any big business decision has the potential for strategic risk and could result in an unfavorable outcome. Though you may have made the right decision based on all the information available, things can still turn out badly. For example, a competitor could launch a similar product before your project has even made progress after deciding to <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/product-development/">develop a new product</a>.</p>
<h3>Scheduling and Cost Risks</h3>
<p>If you have pre-arranged services or rental equipment, costs can skyrocket if your project doesn&#8217;t go as planned. You certainly don&#8217;t want to be in an empty parking lot full of expensive equipment you must pay for daily.</p>
<h3>Third-Party Risks</h3>
<p>Working with partners such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) companies, suppliers, or fulfillment companies carries certain risks. For instance, the credit card data of a payment processor&#8217;s clients may be compromised through a hack. A hosting company&#8217;s data center failure, such as due to a power outage, could also mean your website being offline for hours.</p>
<h3>Loss of Support</h3>
<p>Projects and organizations primarily funded by a few external sources can be prone to losing backing. If your main sponsor or VIP customer suddenly stops funding, it could leave your project lacking the necessary financial support to move forward.</p>
<p>To ensure continuity for important undertakings that seriously impact your company&#8217;s future success, seek out other potential funders just in case you experience an unexpected breakdown in relations with existing sponsors.</p>
<h2>Tips to Reduce and Manage Risks</h2>
<h3>Create a Risk Management Plan</h3>
<p>Your <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/risk-management-plan-templates/">risk management plan</a> should define your method for assessing and organizing risks, along with your team&#8217;s risk tolerance, response plans, communication strategies, etc. It takes dedication and hard work to create a plan like this, but the time spent in the planning phase can be well worth it since it provides a framework that will help direct the project during execution.</p>
<h3>Keep Risk Register up to Date</h3>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-management/">Risk management</a> involves maintaining a <a href="https://www.apm.org.uk/resources/what-is-project-management/what-is-risk-management/">risk register</a> or also called a <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-assessment/5x5-risk-matrix/">risk matrix</a>. It can be a standalone or incorporated into the risk management plan.</p>
<p>Keeping this document up-to-date is vital to ensure you always have an accurate snapshot of potential issues that can arise. As this information is continuously updated and accessible to stakeholders, everyone can understand the project&#8217;s current state.</p>
<h3>Understand the Risk Event</h3>
<p>Too often, people miscalculate viewing risk solely by its possible results instead of the actual risk event. For example, &#8220;missing a deadline&#8221; is seen as a project risk without understanding that it&#8217;s not the risk; instead, it&#8217;s just one consequence.</p>
<p>To properly assess and handle risks associated with your projects or tasks, consider using this format: Should X happen, Y may be triggered, which will cause Z impact. Utilizing this method helps you recognize where the danger lies and how best to address it effectively.</p>
<h3>Be Proactive Instead of Reactive</h3>
<p>Anticipating risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate them is essential for any project. A project&#8217;s initial risk management stage will allow you to better prepare for unexpected events. By thoroughly analyzing each potential risk, you can implement preventative measures that reduce your chances of being surprised and having to react in haste.</p>
<h3>Develop Your Project Management Skills</h3>
<p>Risk management is about managing people and resources. You should always strive to master your project management skills to help you handle your projects and tasks more effectively.</p>
<p>Take the time to learn best practices, create effective communication strategies, and develop soft skills like leadership and problem-solving. Doing so will provide you with the tools necessary to assess better, manage, and resolve risks within your projects.</p>


What is the Most Important Project Risk?

What Causes Project Risks?

What is the Most Important Element of Risk Management?

What is the Best Risk Assessment Method?

FAQ About Project Risk Management

Understanding Project Risk Management

team discusses risk management strategy for a project

Project Risk Management

<p>Employee engagement may be influenced by various factors such as workplace culture, leadership, and job satisfaction, to name a few. Organizations that prioritize these factors can create a work environment that fosters engagement and motivation among employees.</p>
<h2><strong>Why is Employee Engagement Important?</strong></h2>
<p>Employee engagement is considered a critical factor in driving organizational growth and success. According to a study conducted by <a href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/352949/employee-engagement-holds-steady-first-half-2021.aspx">Gallup</a>, only 36% of employees in the United States are actively engaged in their work, while there are only 20% of engaged employees around the world.</p>
<p>In <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/human-resource-management/">human resource management</a>, employee engagement is a key component as HR teams must put it at the forefront of their initiatives to help achieve the organization’s core goals. If HR teams conduct efforts in ensuring employees feel valued, they will work hard and go above and beyond to help the company succeed.</p>
<div id="attachment_156864" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-156864" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-156864 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Benefits-of-Employee-Engagement.png" alt="Benefits of Employee Engagement" width="700" height="400" /><p id="caption-attachment-156864" class="wp-caption-text">Benefits of Employee Engagement</p></div>
<p>Also, the following are just a few of the benefits of employee engagement when done right:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Increased productivity:</strong> Engaged employees are more productive and efficient in their work. They are motivated to do their best and take pride in their accomplishments, which translates to higher-quality outputs and more favorable results.</li>
<li><strong>Higher <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/employee-satisfaction/">employee satisfaction</a> and retention:</strong> Engaged employees are more satisfied with their job and are less likely to leave their employers. This can then mean lower turnover rates, saving companies significant costs in hiring and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/employee-onboarding/">training new employees</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Better customer service:</strong> Engaged employees are more likely to provide exceptional customer service and go above and beyond to meet customer needs. As a result, there will be increased customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth referrals.</li>
<li><strong>Improved profitability:</strong> Companies with high levels of employee engagement tend to be more profitable than those with low engagement levels. Engaged employees are more committed to the company&#8217;s success and are willing to put in extra effort to achieve it.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>The Link Between Employee Engagement and Productivity</strong></h2>
<p>Another study conducted by <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/241649/employee-engagement-rise.aspx">Gallup</a> found that companies with engaged employees had 21% higher profitability, fewer <a href="https://blog.safetyculture.com/feedback-from-the-field/workers-who-have-experienced-or-witnessed-a-workplace-injury-often-say-its-the-result-of-poor-communication-and-processes-what-can-employers-do">workplace injuries</a>, <a href="https://blog.safetyculture.com/industry-trends/increase-employee-engagement-to-decrease-safety-incidents">decreased safety incidents</a>, and higher productivity.</p>
<p>In relation to that, a study published in the <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/211381809_Positive_organizational_behavior_Engaged_employees_in_flourishing_organizations">Journal of Organizational Behavior</a> found that employees who were more engaged had higher levels of job performance and were more committed to their organization.</p>
<h2><strong>Measuring Employee Engagement</strong></h2>
<p>There are several methods used to measure employee engagement, including the following:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://public-library.safetyculture.io/products/employee-engagement-survey-2dOHI">Surveys</a>:</strong> <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/employee-engagement-survey/">Employee engagement surveys</a> are a popular method for measuring employee engagement. Surveys provide quantitative data that can be easily analyzed and compared over time. They can be conducted online, via email, or in paper form. Also, they can include questions that measure employee motivation, commitment, and satisfaction. Another example is a <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/work-environment-survey/">work environment survey</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Interviews:</strong> Interviews are a qualitative method for measuring employee engagement. One-on-one interviews allow the interviewer to ask follow-up questions and get a deeper understanding of the employee&#8217;s opinions and feelings. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/focus-groups/">Focus Groups</a>:</strong> Focus groups are similar to interviews, but they involve a group of employees. <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/focus-groups/">Focus groups</a> can be an effective way to identify common themes and issues that affect employee engagement. The group dynamic allows for the exploration of different perspectives and ideas.</li>
</ul>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Employee Engagement Survey Form&#8221;]</p>
<h3>Importance of Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Data</h3>
<p>While each method has its strengths, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data provides a more comprehensive understanding of employee engagement. Quantitative data provides numerical measurements and comparisons, while qualitative data provides rich insights and perspectives.</p>
<p>Combining both data types allows for a more in-depth analysis of employee engagement. For example, a survey can reveal that 80% of employees are satisfied with their jobs, but an interview can provide insight into why the other 20% aren’t. By analyzing both types of data, organizations can <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/root-cause-analysis/">identify the root causes</a> of employee engagement issues and develop targeted solutions.</p>
<h2><strong>Improvement Strategies</strong></h2>
<p>Achieving a high level of employee engagement requires more than just paying competitive salaries and benefits. Here are some employee engagement strategies for improving programs in your organization:</p>
<h3>Foster a positive work environment.</h3>
<p>This can go a long way in boosting employee engagement. Provide a safe, comfortable, and attractive workplace that fosters teamwork and collaboration. Likewise, encourage an open-door policy, where employees can approach their supervisors and management to raise any concerns, ideas, or suggestions.</p>
<h3>Provide clear communication.</h3>
<p>Keep employees informed about company goals, strategies, and progress, and encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas. Make sure that <a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/employee-communications-software/">communication</a> is two-way, where employees can provide feedback, ask questions, and express their concerns.</p>
<h3>Promote professional development.</h3>
<p>Employees are more engaged when they have opportunities for growth and development. Provide training, mentorship, and training programs that can help them improve their skills and advance in their careers. Guide them in setting personal and professional goals and provide support and resources to help them achieve those goals.</p>
<h3>Recognize and reward employee contributions.</h3>
<p>Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to be engaged in their work. Hence, have initiatives on recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work. Continuously provide feedback and constructive criticism to help them improve their performance. You can also offer incentives, such as bonuses, promotions, or other perks, for outstanding results.</p>
<h3>Encourage work-life balance.</h3>
<p>Burnout and stress can quickly lead to disengagement. Some strategies to avoid this are providing flexible work schedules, telecommuting options, and vacation and sick leave benefits. In addition, make sure to promote wellness and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/psychological-safety/mental-health-at-work/">mental health</a> programs that are beneficial for employees’ stress management.</p>
<p>By investing in strategies to engage and motivate employees, organizations can create a culture of excellence and achieve their long-term goals.</p>
<h2><strong>Role of Leaders and Managers in Promoting It</strong></h2>
<p>Leaders and managers play a crucial role in promoting employee engagement and building a positive workplace culture. They set the tone for the organization, and their behaviors and actions have a significant impact on employee engagement levels.</p>
<p>They should communicate the organization&#8217;s vision and goals clearly and proactively involve employees in the decision-making process, whenever and wherever possible. Also, they must advocate for the development and growth of their employees, reward hard work, and ensure a <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/psychological-safety/">psychologically safe</a> working environment. Lastly, they should build and maintain an approachable image, be open to feedback from employees, and take action to address them.</p>


What are the three C's of employee engagement?

What are the four levels of employee engagement?

What are the four key pillars of employee engagement?

Does employee engagement impact absenteeism?

FAQs About Employee Engagement

An Introduction to Employee Engagement

workers with high employee engagement level having a fun activity

Human Resources

Employee Engagement

<h2>Benefits</h2>
<p>Green building practices present a great alternative to traditional construction systems for various reasons. According to the <a href="https://worldemissions.io/">World Emissions Clock</a>, buildings have contributed over 3 gigatons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2022. Adopting sustainable construction methods can significantly decrease this number through energy-efficient and water-saving systems, fixtures, and technologies.</p>
<p>Aside from their environmental benefits, green buildings also contribute to the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Lower utility and operational costs</li>
<li>Reduced waste generation</li>
<li>Improved indoor environmental quality</li>
<li>Optimal building performance</li>
<li>Enhanced comfort and well-being of occupants</li>
<li>Increased property values</li>
</ul>
<h2>Components</h2>
<p>Green buildings often follow a specific set of benchmarks to gauge their sustainability. Each standard may vary per country or region, but it generally includes the following elements:</p>
<h3>Building Design</h3>
<p>Design is among the crucial aspects of constructing green buildings, as it provides the blueprint on which the structure will be based. The goal is to build high-quality, durable buildings without compromising the surrounding environment.</p>
<p>For this reason, incorporating green practices is a must at all stages of the design process. One of the best ways to do so is by taking advantage of the natural features of the site for lighting, ventilation, and other functions.</p>
<h3>Land Use</h3>
<p>Before construction begins, companies must first survey the land they will use for their building. Visiting the site on the ground helps determine if the land is suitable for the structure to be built and how to maximize its natural attributes when developing the building design.</p>
<p>Utilizing lands for sustainable buildings requires careful thought and planning, taking into account the following factors:</p>
<ul>
<li>Location</li>
<li>Landscape</li>
<li>Land orientation</li>
<li>Physical security</li>
<li>Ecological impacts</li>
</ul>
<h3>Materials Selection</h3>
<p>When building sustainable structures, it’s also vital to consider construction materials. It’s best to go for eco-friendly materials, as they are designed to have a lower environmental impact than traditional building materials like concrete and steel. Look for durable products made from sustainably sourced, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/prefabrication/">prefabricated</a>, or recycled materials, such as but not limited to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Wood</li>
<li>Bamboo</li>
<li>Straw bales</li>
<li>Recycled steel</li>
<li>Recycled plastic</li>
<li>Rammed earth</li>
<li>Hempcrete</li>
</ul>
<h3>Energy Performance</h3>
<p>In 2021, the <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/buildings">International Energy Agency</a> reports that buildings contributed to 30 percent of the world’s total energy consumption. This amounts to around 8 percent of the global energy-related carbon emissions for the year.</p>
<p>Reducing this number requires responsible energy use for buildings and their occupants, which can be resolved through sustainable buildings. Green structures often integrate energy-efficient systems and appliances to conserve energy. They can also harness <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/renewable-energy/">renewable energy sources</a> like solar and wind to power their operations.</p>
<h3>Water Conservation</h3>
<p>Water is a vital element for a variety of business activities but remains to be a finite resource. In fact, water scarcity continues to be a global problem that affects <a href="https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-scarcity">nearly two-thirds of the population</a> worldwide.</p>
<p>Given the impacts of water shortage not only on businesses but also on communities, green structures should incorporate water-efficient practices and systems into their design. It includes using water-saving technologies and plumbing fixtures and employing construction methods that require less water use.</p>
<h3>Waste Reduction</h3>
<p>According to the <a href="https://datatopics.worldbank.org/what-a-waste/trends_in_solid_waste_management.html">World Bank</a>, over 2 billion tons of waste are generated each year on a global scale. Yet, only <a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/4983/waste-generation-worldwide/">less than 20 percent</a> of them are recycled annually and instead are brought to landfill sites.</p>
<p>Thus, for a building to be considered sustainable, it must produce less waste and find ways to handle existing ones. One great example is establishing a robust <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/waste-management-system/">waste management system</a> for all stages of the building lifecycle—from construction to demolition. It can also involve efficiently utilizing construction materials and repurposing waste products from job sites.</p>
<h3>Indoor Environmental Quality</h3>
<p>Lastly, green buildings also consider the conditions inside the building. After all, a healthy indoor environment is a must for ensuring the health, well-being, and satisfaction of building occupants. It requires carefully looking into various factors such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Air quality</li>
<li>Lighting and views</li>
<li>Interior acoustics</li>
<li>Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (<a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/hvac-systems/">HVAC</a>) systems</li>
<li>Building materials &#8211; low or no VOC paints and sealants</li>
</ul>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Digitize the Way You Work&#8221; body=&#8221;Empower your team with SafetyCulture to perform checks, train staff, report issues, and automate tasks with our digital platform.&#8221; btn_txt=&#8221;Get Started for Free&#8221; btn_link=&#8221;https://app.safetyculture.com/sign-up&#8221;]</p>
<h2>Green Building Standards Around the World</h2>
<p>After discussing the elements of sustainable structures, how can they be measured for future construction projects? Organizations can look into standards and certifications from their local green building councils. Each jurisdiction will have its own benchmarks and rating systems, so it’s best to refer to them for the requirements and metrics.</p>
<p>The table below summarizes 7 of the most common green building standards all over the world:</p>
<div class="table">
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 536px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;"><strong>Green Building Standard</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;"><strong>Country</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;"><strong>Rating System</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 128px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 128px;"><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/leed/">Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design</a> (<a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/leed/">LEED</a>)</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 128px;">United States</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 128px;">
<ul>
<li>Platinum</li>
<li>Gold</li>
<li>Silver</li>
<li>Certified</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 144px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 144px;">Building Research Establishment&#8217;s Environmental Assessment Method (<a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/breeam/">BREEAM</a>)</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 144px;">United Kingdom, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 144px;">
<ul>
<li>Outstanding</li>
<li>Excellent</li>
<li>Very Good</li>
<li>Good</li>
<li>Pass</li>
<li>Unclassified</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 144px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 144px;">Green Star</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 144px;">Australia</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 144px;">
<ul>
<li>1 Star: Minimum Practice</li>
<li>2 Stars: Average Practice</li>
<li>3 Stars: Good Practice</li>
<li>4 Stars: Best Practice</li>
<li>5 Stars: Australian Excellence</li>
<li>6 Stars: World Leadership</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB)</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">Germany</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">
<ul>
<li>Platinum</li>
<li>Gold</li>
<li>Silver</li>
<li>Bronze</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE)</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">Japan</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">
<ul>
<li>S: Superior</li>
<li>A: Very Good</li>
<li>B+: Good</li>
<li>B-: Slightly Poor</li>
<li>C: Poor</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">VERDE</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">Spain</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">
<ul>
<li>5 Hojas</li>
<li>4 Hojas</li>
<li>3 Hojas</li>
<li>2 Hojas</li>
<li>1 Hoja</li>
<li>0 Hojas</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">Pearl Building Rating System (PBRS)</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">United Arab Emirates</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 24px;">
<ul>
<li>1 Pearl</li>
<li>2 Pearl</li>
<li>3 Pearl</li>
<li>4 Pearl</li>
<li>5 Pearl</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
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Environmental Safety

Green Building

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this guide, you will learn what journey management is, why it’s important, and the most important elements involved in effective journey management planning.</span></p>
<h2>What is Journey Management?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Journey management is the process of implementing plans and protocols that reduce travel-related risks and keep drivers safe on the road. The ultimate goal of journey management is to ensure that drivers arrive safely at their destinations. Many organizations only create journey management plans for longer trips (i.e. 4 hours or more), though it is important to remember that accidents can happen </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">any</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> time. Whenever an employee sets out on a journey – no matter how long – there should always be various safeguards in place to protect them from potential hazards.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">After all, according to the</span><a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the transportation and material moving industry accounts for the highest number of annual workplace fatalities.</span></p>
<h2>Creating a Journey Management Plan</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A journey management plan is a set of official instructions, guidelines, and protocols for employees to follow while completing organization-sanctioned trips.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These elements should always be included in journey management plans:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Defined hazards and risk levels</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Defined routes, timing, resting places, alternative plans</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Communication plans and means of communication (i.e. use of satellite communication in rural areas)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Emergency response plans (i.e. how an employee will request assistance and who will respond)</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every plan should vary, based on the specific risks and hazards that have been identified for the journey. Therefore, the first – and most important – step in creating a journey management plan is carrying out a well-documented</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-assessment/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">risk assessment</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to identify (as best as possible) all of the potential hazards, and their risk levels.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The next step is to develop processes and protocols to mitigate those hazards: also known as the</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/journey-management-plan/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">journey management plan</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<h3>Journey Safety Hazards to Manage</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In general, some common hazards your journey management plans should seek to mitigate include:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Driver fatigue</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heavy traffic</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vehicle disrepair, damage, or malfunction</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Inclement weather</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Car accidents</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wildlife accidents</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Poor or dangerous road conditions</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Night driving</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unexpected delays</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">No/low cell service areas</span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Managing Lone Workers’ Journeys</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Working alone and driving are both very high-risk work activities. Whether your employees are healthcare professionals driving short distances to provide care in patients’ homes, or oil and gas workers traveling long distances to rural job sites, it is your responsibility to ensure they are safe during the journey, and after they arrive (if they are still officially on the clock).</span></p>
<h3>Is a Journey Management App Necessary?</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best way to manage, monitor, and report on employees’ journey statutes, work activities, and safety is through digital tools like journey management apps and lone worker safety apps. These tools can make employees safer, while simplifying operations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deploying an app can also help satisfy your organization’s legal obligations to employee safety, by mitigating more safety risks than would be possible otherwise.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let’s look at some of the potential safeguards that journey management apps, such as</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/panic-button-app/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">panic button apps</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and comprehensive digital</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lone-worker-solutions/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker safety solutions</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, can provide.</span></p>
<h4>Location Sharing</h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When employees set out on long journeys, managers should be able to monitor their locations. Of course, location sharing offers insights into employees’ estimated times of arrival and work efficiency. But also, in emergencies, assistance can be dispatched to employees’ exact locations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For employees who regularly travel in rural areas with low or no cell service, satellite devices should be deployed. Via</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/lone-worker-safety-devices/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker devices</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (satellite devices) – such as the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger or Garmin inReach – employees can share their locations, view navigation directions, message their managers, and activate duress to receive assistance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When considering different apps, employee-enabled location sharing is key; this means that employees can enable location sharing while working, and turn it off afterwards. This feature ensures that no personal privacy boundaries are crossed, helping employees feel more comfortable with location tracking.</span></p>
<h4>Automated, Periodic Check-Ins</h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Requiring employees to check-in regularly to confirm their wellbeing gives </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">everyone</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> involved peace of mind.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lone worker safety apps, such as</span><a href="https://sheqsy.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">SHEQSY</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, feature automated and periodic check-ins. At pre-specified intervals, employees are automatically prompted to confirm that they are safe and well – they can also update their activity timers to let mangers know if they need more time. If employees fail to check-in, overtime alerts and duress alerts can be triggered, according to your organization’s</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lone-worker-policy/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker safety policy</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<h4>Duress Notifications</h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the event of an emergency – such as a traffic accident or vehicle breakdown – employees need a quick, easy way to request emergency assistance. The best journey management apps and lone worker safety apps offer multiple ways to trigger a panic notification, alerting their safety contact(s) that something has gone wrong.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, using SHEQSY’s</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lone-worker-alarm/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker alarm</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, employees can activate duress within the app; via the QuickPanic widget (quickly accessible from the smartphone lock screen); or by using Shake for Panic (shaking the smartphone). SHEQSY’s integrated lone worker devices offer even more duress-activation functionality. When duress is activated, a customizable escalation tree of emergency contacts receives duress notifications to acknowledge (via automated phone call, text, and email). For hands-off emergency monitoring, SHEQSY also offers 24/7 security monitoring to manage duress notifications according your organization’s safety policies and escalation protocols. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Plus, digital solutions keep historical records of all lone worker activity data – such as duress events, hazard reports, and completed audit forms. This information is vital for conducting future</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lone-working/lone-working-risk-assessment-example/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker risk assessments</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – and often, storing incident data is required by <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lone-worker-protection/">law</a>.</span></p>
<h4>Roll Call &amp; Emergency Notifications</h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From tornadoes and blizzards to wildfires and flash flooding, all sorts of emergencies can arise while your drivers are on the road. Having the ability to swiftly send out emergency notifications and roll calls – requiring employees to formally acknowledge your safety advice and confirm their wellbeing – is invaluable in an emergency.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“</span></i><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Two SHEQSY features we find most useful are the Push Notifications, to remind users to turn on a Shift in the morning, and also Roll Call, which allows us to send notifications to users. We recently used Roll Call to reach out to our providers and check in with them during a weather event that caused extensive flooding.</span></em><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">”</span></i> <span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8211; Verity A., Head of Quality and Compliance</span></p>
<h3>More Safety Tips for Journey Management</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beyond deploying a digital tool, there are other precautionary measures to take for long journeys. Preparing and planning ahead is key!</span></p>
<h4>Vehicle Preparation &amp; Safety Checks</h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ensuring that all vehicles in an organization&#8217;s <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/fleet-management/">fleet</a> have frequent and regular servicing will help keep them in safe shape for the journeys ahead.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But before each journey, it’s also a wise idea to require employees to complete vehicle safety audits to ensure that everything is working smoothly; that all tires have proper tread; that the gas tank is full; that no warning or maintenance lights are on; etc.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Using an</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/site-inspection-software/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">inspection app</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> such as</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/platform/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">SafetyCulture</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, or the checklist feature within the SHEQSY</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/lone-worker-app/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker app</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, are great ways for organizations to conduct inspections, flag issues, and resolve issues.</span></p>
<h4>Emergency Safety Kit</h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Your organization should require every work vehicle to carry an emergency safety kit. If a breakdown or other incident occurs, employees should be equipped with the essentials to sustain themselves until help arrives.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Must-have emergency safety kit items include (but are not limited to):</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">First aid kit</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seat belt cutter </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Non-perishable food</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Potable water</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Extra warm clothing</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Warm blankets</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Roadside flares</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Flashlights</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jumper cables </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rope</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Road salt (for traction)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Snow shovel</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Snow brush and ice scraper</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">External/portable cell phone charger</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Extra gasoline</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Safe Driving Training</h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Part of great journey management planning is ensuring that all drivers are properly trained and equipped to face the many hazards that can arise on the road. Educate your drivers on everything from defensive driving and</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/winter-driving-safety-tips/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">winter driving safety</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, to understanding the signs of fatigue (time to take a much-needed break!), to ensure they know how to arrive alive.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">SafetyCulture </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Training</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a great resource for training and up-skilling your team members in a simplified, modern way.</span></p>
<h4>Planning Ahead</h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Monitoring weather forecasts and traffic trends, and making route plans ahead of time (with alternatives, in case obstacles arise) help drivers feel confident and prepared for the road ahead.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Via the SHEQSY app (and integrations with Google Maps and your organization’s favorite calendar/scheduling tool), employees can view their scheduled jobs, shifts, or activities, and receive directions to their destinations. SHEQSY – an all-in-one journey management tool – makes</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lone-worker-safety/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker safety</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, management, and compliance </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">easy</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Watch this 90-second video to see how SHEQSY simplifies journey management:</span></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Lone worker safety made easy with SHEQSY by SafetyCulture" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eEtT4WWuRK4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>


Journey Management: Must-Know Tips for Keeping Employees Safe

Logistics

Journey Management

<h2>Why is it Important?</h2>
<p>Workplace first aid is an essential part of an organization’s health and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/safety-management-system/">safety management system</a> for various reasons. First, it helps save the workers’ lives when no medical personnel is present at the worksite. For example, correctly performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on those suffering from cardiac arrest can <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/cpr.htm">increase their chances of survival</a>.</p>
<p>Moreover, with proper first aid training in the workplace, employees can swiftly tend to accidents and injuries as they happen and prevent them from getting worse. It also equips them with the necessary know-how for handling medical emergencies, such as assessing situations and contacting emergency care providers. This way, injured individuals can quickly get the help they need to recover faster and return to work in a healthier state.</p>
<h2>Elements of a Workplace First Aid Program</h2>
<p>A robust first aid program in the workplace consists of the following elements:</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-156472 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Elements-of-a-Workplace-First-Aid-Program.png" alt="Elements of a Workplace First Aid Program" width="700" height="400" /></p>
<h3>Management and Employee Participation</h3>
<p>When establishing first aid programs at work, one of the first things to secure is everyone’s commitment to <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-safety/">workplace safety</a>. On the top level, decisive leadership is crucial to creating, implementing, and evaluating first aid policies and procedures. Employee involvement, on the other hand, is key to actually carrying things out on the ground level.</p>
<h3>Worksite Analysis</h3>
<p>Aside from ensuring buy-in from stakeholders, it’s also important to clearly identify the first aid requirements for the workplace. This can be done by carefully assessing business operations to spot existing hazards and anticipate conditions that can put workers at risk of injuries. Examples of these workplace hazards include:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/manual-handling/">Manual handling</a> tasks</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/electrical-hazards/">Electrical</a> works</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/slips-trips-and-falls/">Slips, trips, and falls</a></li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/working-at-heights/">Working at height</a></li>
<li>Equipment and machinery</li>
<li>Hazardous chemicals</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/tree-work-safety/">Tree work</a> and outdoor work</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-violence/">Workplace violence</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Information about these matters can be retrieved from the following sources:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/incident-report/">Incident</a> and accident reports</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/near-miss-report/">Near-miss reports</a></li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-assessment/">Risk assessments</a></li>
<li>Health and safety inspections</li>
<li>Regulatory injury and incident logs (e.g., OSHA 300 form, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/riddor-report/">RIDDOR report</a>)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Hazard Prevention Measures</h3>
<p>Upon determining hazards that could lead to work-related injuries and illnesses, the next step is to devise preventive and control measures. When designing workplace first aid programs, it’s best to consider the following actions:</p>
<ul>
<li>Consulting with emergency medical experts and first aid providers for best practices</li>
<li>Weighing options for control measures using the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/hierarchy-of-controls/">hierarchy of controls</a></li>
<li>Utilizing a hazard control plan for the first aid program</li>
<li>Assessing risks according to their type, severity, and likelihood of occurrence</li>
<li>Providing adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and resources</li>
</ul>
<h3>First Aid Training</h3>
<p>The final key component of effective first aid programs is first aid training. Training programs equip employees with the skills and knowledge to properly respond to health emergencies at work. Ideally, they should reflect the specific needs and conditions of the workplace.</p>
<p>When selecting first aid training providers, it’s best to check the guidelines from local health and safety agencies. This ensures that the training program complies with the laws and regulations for first aid in the workplace.</p>
<h2>Best Practices</h2>
<p>After discussing the elements of workplace first aid programs, it’s time to put them into practice. Here are 5 tips for planning, implementing, and evaluating first aid programs at work:</p>
<h3>Find the Most Common Work-Related Medical Issues</h3>
<p>Aside from workplace risks and hazards, it also helps to identify work-related injuries and illnesses that commonly occur on your site. To gather information about this, you can revisit incident reports and similar records.</p>
<p>Some examples of common occupational illnesses and injuries include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Asthma attacks</li>
<li>Allergic reactions</li>
<li>Cardiac arrests</li>
<li>Seizures</li>
<li>Strokes</li>
</ul>
<h3>Keep Your First Aid Kits Fully Stocked</h3>
<p>In order for first aid responders to properly assist an injured or ill employee, they must have the right supplies and tools readily available. Thus, it’s a must to maintain a fully-equipped first aid kit that everyone can easily access and retrieve during emergencies. The contents will depend on the results of your first-aid assessment.</p>
<p>Moreover, make sure to place an easily noticeable first aid signage to help employees easily locate the kit when they need it.</p>
<h3>Use a First Aid Kit Checklist</h3>
<p>Keeping track of your first aid kit inventory levels can become easier with the help of a handy checklist. This tool lets you record the contents of your kit, making it easier to keep track of their expiration dates and inventory counts. With a <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/first-aid/">first aid kit checklist</a>, you can easily identify which supplies need to be replaced or restocked.</p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own First Aid Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h3>Have Enough First Aid Providers at Worksites</h3>
<p>Aside from your first aid supplies, it’s also important to have enough people trained to administer first aid. The headcount will depend on several factors, including the needs assessment results and the level of risk present in the workplace.</p>
<p>Still, it pays to encourage everyone at work to undergo first aid training so that they can keep themselves safe and assist others during emergencies.</p>
<h3>Review Your First Aid Program Periodically</h3>
<p>Lastly, first aid programs must be reviewed regularly to determine if they still effectively address common first aid problems. By spotting pain points and areas for improvement, your company can readily modify your occupational first aid practices to reflect changes in existing processes and update them according to the most current best practices and techniques.</p>
<h2>Local Legislation</h2>
<p>Regulatory requirements for first aid in workplace settings may differ from one place to another. To help you get started, here are a few examples of local first-aid legislation around the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/first-aid-in-the-workplace/world-first-aid-day/">world</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>United States (US)</strong> &#8211; Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) First Aid Standard (<a href="https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/std-01-08-002#:~:text=for%20violations%20of%3A-,a.,treatment%20of%20all%20injured%20employees.">29 CFR 1910.151</a>)</li>
<li><strong>United Kingdom (UK)</strong> &#8211; <a href="https://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/legislation.htm">Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981</a></li>
<li><strong>European Union (EU)</strong> &#8211; <a href="https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directives/the-osh-framework-directive/1">Directive 89/391/EEC</a> &#8211; OSH &#8220;Framework Directive&#8221; (Section I, Article 8)</li>
<li><strong>Australia</strong> &#8211; <a href="https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-first-aid-workplace">Model Code of Practice</a>: First Aid in the Workplace</li>
<li><strong>France</strong> &#8211; Labor Code Articles <a href="https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000018532205">R4224-14 to R4224-16</a> (First Aid and Rescue Equipment)</li>
<li><strong>Ireland</strong> &#8211; Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations 2007 (<a href="https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/first_aid/">Part 7, Chapter 2</a>)</li>
<li><strong>Singapore</strong> &#8211; <a href="https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/WSHA2006-RG4">Workplace Safety and Health (First-Aid) Regulations</a></li>
</ul>


How should you determine first aid requirements in the workplace?

Who should administer first aid in the workplace?

Do incidents requiring first aid need to be recorded?

What should a first aid kit at work contain?

FAQs about First Aid in the Workplace

A Guide to First Aid in the Workplace

woman providing first aid to injured coworker

Medical Safety

First Aid in the Workplace

<h2>What is a Workplace Buddy System?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Interestingly, the concept of the &#8220;buddy system&#8221; came from the U.S. Army in World War II. In the war, &#8220;battle buddies&#8221; helped ensure that soldiers had someone else to help support them emotionally, watch their back, and check their decisions. Some benefits included increased morale, less stress, reduced suicides and assaults, increased confidence, and better teamwork and problem-solving.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Similarly, in a workplace buddy system, colleagues are paired up to work together and help keep each other safe. Typically, buddies accompany one another when carrying out high-risk tasks or while completing similar work; for example, couriers co-drivers a dangerous route or gas station attendants working a night shift.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sometimes, buddies can be paired up digitally, meaning that they call/text each other to check-in and confirm one another&#8217;s wellbeing.</span></p>
<h2>How Does a Buddy System Work?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The buddy system operates on the assumption that there is safety in numbers. When buddies work together, they are generally expected to:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Share the responsibility for each other&#8217;s well being (in other words, &#8220;have each other&#8217;s back&#8221;)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Communicate and work together (i.e. complete tasks together, carry out dynamic complete risk assessments, discuss the safest ways to move forward)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check-in on one another&#8217;s mental and physical wellbeing</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Provide emergency assistance when needed</span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Which Jobs Use a Buddy System?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From the police force and the military, to pilots, shop-floor attendants, and night drivers, there are endless examples of jobs that use – and even require – a buddy system. From healthcare to transportation to construction, this safety principle is common because it is proven to increase and encourage safety.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, the buddy system should </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">never</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> be the only safeguard in place to protect employees, especially those working in high-risks roles or environments.</span></p>
<h2>Benefits of a Buddy System at Work</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Working alone poses a higher risk to employees’ health and safety. Lone workers are particularly susceptible to violence, abuse, aggression, slipping, tripping, falling, traffic accidents, and sudden health emergencies (i.e. stroke or heart attack). Working alone can also cause mental and physical stress.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The buddy system helps to mitigate these risks. Here are a few of the ways it does so:</span></p>
<h3>1. Supervision &amp; Immediate Emergency Support</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Working with – or nearby – can mean that employees have supervision and immediate access to emergency assistance if something goes wrong. Working together can help ensure that employees are accounted for, and finish the workday safely.</span></p>
<h3>2. Shared Responsibility &amp; Communication</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sharing space, tasks, and the responsibility for one another’s health and safety can give buddies peace of mind and confidence &#8211; and indeed, make them safer. When issues arise, sharing facts and opinions, communicating logically, and making decisions together can also help employees stay safe.</span></p>
<h3>3. Safety in Numbers</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Employees are less likely to experience some common, high-risk hazards, such as violence or abuse while working with members of the public, when they work with someone else. The buddy system can help deter perpetrators from identifying employees as “targets”.</span></p>
<h2>Disadvantages of Buddy System at Work Safety</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While of course, working with a buddy is inherently safer than working alone, workplace health and safety policymakers should not consider the buddy system to be a catch-all safety system. </span></p>
<h3>1. False Sense of Security</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Relying too heavily on a buddy system can lead to a heightened sense of safety that may not match reality – especially for those working in high-risk work environments or job roles. With buddies around, employees may feel less of a need to take safety precautions, follow safety protocols, and stay aware of their surroundings. In some cases, the buddy system can be counterproductive and actually lead to incidents.</span></p>
<h3>2. Two Buddies, Same Emergency</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just because two co-workers are present, does not mean that they could not experience an emergency situation together. For example, what if they get into a car accident, or have their car break down in a rural area with no cell coverage and dangerously hot temperatures? What about if they are working together in an enclosed space and both lose consciousness? If two buddies don’t have other safety systems in place (such as a lone worker safety solution, deployed via smartphone app and/or handheld satellite device), how will their managers know if something has gone wrong? How will they request and receive emergency assistance when they need it?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deploying a solution with safeguards such as periodic check-ins, panic/duress alarms, overtime alerts, and man-down/fall-detection can let managers know that there is an emergency, even when employees are unable to physically “sound the alarm” themselves.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://sheqsy.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">SHEQSY</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is the leading lone worker safety solution that makes it easy to manage, monitor, and report on lone worker activities in real-time.</span></p>
<h3>3. High Costs</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For organizations who deploy the buddy system for safety in high-risk jobs that could be carried out alone, the buddy system is also needlessly expensive. Why pay two employees, when you could only pay one? The key here is to ensure that you take every reasonably practicable step to safeguard lone workers (employees working without a buddy); deploying a lone worker solution, in place of a buddy system, is a more cost-effective, efficient, seamless way to protect employees – with a myriad of other benefits.</span></p>
<h3>4. More Stress</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone handles stress differently. Being responsible for a colleague’s safety – or feeling guilty if a colleague is involved in an incident – may cause undue mental or physical stress and burnout in employees. Ultimately, the health and safety of employees’ is the responsibility of the organization and its safety officers. Organizations that use the buddy system should </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">train</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> employees on topics like stress management and emergency preparedness and communication. </span></p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Digitize the way you Work&#8221; body=&#8221;Empower your team with SafetyCulture to perform checks, train staff, report issues, and automate tasks with our digital platform.&#8221; btn_txt=&#8221;Get Started for Free&#8221; btn_link=&#8221;https://app.safetyculture.com/sign-up&#8221;]</p>
<h2>Set up a Safety-First Environment with a Buddy System at Work</h2>
<p>In high-risk jobs, such as construction, manufacturing, or emergency services, it’s important to implement a proper buddy system at work. By pairing employees with a dedicated buddy, you can establish an additional layer of protection, enhancing overall safety protocols, mitigating risks, and preventing accidents.</p>
<p>This system encourages constant vigilance, communication, and mutual support among colleagues, reducing the likelihood of human error. Aside from pairing team members with one another, it’s also crucial to give them proper training and sufficient time to learn how to work together.</p>
<p>With online solutions like <a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/">Training</a>, setting up a buddy system at work is now easier than ever before. It offers interactive templates that can help you customize your buddy system guidelines into visually appealing and engaging training content.</p>
<p>Training also provides an offline access feature that lets your team brush up on their skills anytime, anywhere, and even when they’re offline.</p>
<h2>Buddy System Alternatives</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best alternatives to a buddy system are digital safety solutions that incorporate technologies such as</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/lone-worker-app/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker smartphone apps</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/panic-button-app/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">panic buttons</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and</span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/lone-worker-safety-devices/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">lone worker devices</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. These systems can make monitoring employees&#8217; safety in real-time easy and efficient, while cutting extra buddy system costs.</span></p>
<h3>Are Lone Worker Apps Better than Buddy Systems?</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For many job roles, the advancement of intuitive, cost-effective lone worker solutions has made the traditional buddy system obsolete. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lone worker smartphone apps can ensure that employees are always connected to their managers, while providing safeguards such as:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Real-time location sharing</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Panic/duress alarms</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Automated check-ins, activity countdown timers, overtime alerts</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Streamlined emergency escalation processes (i.e. automated chain of automated calls, emails, and texts messages to emergency contacts if a duress alarm is raised)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Safety compliance systems (i.e. hazard reporting and safety forms/checklists)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ease of communication (1:1 messaging)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Simplified scheduling and navigation (via calendar and map integrations)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Integrated satellite and Bluetooth panic devices (for low/no cell service areas and high-risk situations)</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even if organizations continue to use the buddy system (i.e. if the job is too high-risk to complete alone), deploying an employee management and monitoring solution that provides extra safeguards is wise. </span></p>
<p><a href="https://sheqsy.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">SHEQSY</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is the leading lone worker solution that protects employees in real-time and makes it easy to manage, monitor and report on lone worker activities from one user-friendly dashboard. </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/sheqsy/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Click here to learn more.</span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">See SHEQSY in action in the 90-second video below.</span></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Lone worker safety made easy with SHEQSY by SafetyCulture" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eEtT4WWuRK4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>


Using the Buddy System at Work for Safety: Pros & Cons

Buddy System at Work

<h2><strong>Benefits</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/business-process/">Business process</a> analysis is consequential to a company’s growth. Whether you work as a manager in an international conglomerate or an entrepreneur of a small local shop, this strategy will favor your business in several ways:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Determine inefficiencies</strong> &#8211; Since this is the first step in the process, you get to see what’s causing work duplications, delays, and outright errors in your workflow.</li>
<li><strong>Decrease costs</strong> &#8211; The aforementioned issues have monetary equivalents. Providing the right solutions for those problems, like allocating resources or streamlining processes, will help your business save money and hopefully earn more.</li>
<li><strong>Increase morale in the workforce</strong> &#8211; Flawed processes can be frustrating for your employees and may decrease work productivity. Through process analysis, your employees can be given additional training or better work hours if needed.</li>
<li><strong>Improve client engagement</strong> &#8211; Faulty systems are also a cause of disappointment for your customers. Correcting issues like reducing wait times or enhancing customer service is critical in maintaining a good relationship with them.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>5 Most Common Techniques </strong></h2>
<p>Business operations often include a series of activities with industry-specific requirements. This is why there is no one generic way to analyze it all. There are numerous techniques used for a particular task, and here are the most common process analysis examples:</p>
<h3>Gap Analysis</h3>
<p>This technique compares your actual results against your expected outcomes. <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/gap-analysis/">Analyzing the gap</a> between the two helps you see missed strategies, flawed processes, or lack of skills.</p>
<p><strong>Specific examples:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>This is often used after product launchings to determine why the sales were not as initially expected.</li>
<li>Hospital management uses this when they run short of supplies regularly or at unexpected times.</li>
<li>Companies may compare the efficiency of their operations and profitability to their competitors using this technique.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Root Cause Analysis</h3>
<p>To completely understand an issue and subsequently find an apt solution, one has to identify its root cause. <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/root-cause-analysis/">Root cause analysis</a> (RCA) aims to discover the origin instead of just remedying the symptoms of the problem. Note that one can use RCA for successes, not just failures.</p>
<p><strong>Specific examples:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Nausea and vomiting are quite common, dealt with by taking over-the-counter medications. But doctors know this is merely a symptom caused by numerous things like pregnancy, migraine, food poisoning, hyperthyroidism, meningitis, and so many more. Proper diagnosis and treatment will get rid of the symptom.</li>
<li>If your sales have increased in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to your 2021 numbers, you might want to use this technique to see the whys and hows so you can replicate that.</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/swot-analysis/">SWOT Analysis</a></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/swot.asp">SWOT</a> is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This technique is used to analyze the different aspects of your business, giving you awareness of your current state, future potential, and tasks.</p>
<p><strong>Specific examples:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Marketers should know the prices of raw materials, competitor pricing, and customer shopping trends to organize their next move.</li>
<li>The owner of a small construction firm can see if his carpenters need additional training or if he needs to hire more experienced workers instead.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Time and Motion Study</h3>
<p>This <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/time-and-motion-study">study</a> analyzes the time required and the actions needed to finish a particular task. After assessing the current practice, standards can be established for improvement and increased productivity. The result should be to do something less but to do it better.</p>
<p><strong>Specific examples:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>A worker is said to spend up to 30% of his average work hours on email. Setting up routine email responses or using other applications can minimize the time wasted on this activity.</li>
<li>Multitasking has been found to decrease productivity by up to 40%. Lessening the workload of your employees and allowing them to focus on just one task at a time is more advantageous.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Value-Stream Mapping</h3>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/value-stream-mapping/">Value-stream mapping</a> reviews the various steps in delivering a product or service, prioritizing what a client or a customer considers “valuable.” It is one of the most favored process analysis examples because it eradicates something many complain about: waste.</p>
<p><strong>Specific examples:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Reducing the wait time of patients between check-ups and laboratory work can be considered not valuable, and increasing the time they spend with their doctors can count as valuable.</li>
<li>Over-processing can be exceedingly wasteful in the manufacturing sector because it involves additional resources and manpower that the end-user may not care for.</li>
</ul>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Digitize the way you Work&#8221; body=&#8221;Empower your team with SafetyCulture to perform checks, train staff, report issues, and automate tasks with our digital platform.&#8221; btn_txt=&#8221;Get Started for Free&#8221; btn_link=&#8221;https://app.safetyculture.com/sign-up&#8221;]</p>
<h2><strong>Tools</strong></h2>
<p>The most favored tool for process analysis is the very simple yet incredibly effective flowchart. It shows the basic workflow of a company from start to finish and is easily modified for <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/process-improvement/">process improvement</a>. There are more complex types, most of which are derived from the flowchart. And each is appropriate for a particular technique and specific step in the process:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/quality-assurance-and-quality-control/the-3-quality-control-methods/">SIPOC</a> (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers) diagram</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bpmn.org/">BPMN</a> (Business Processing Modeling Notation) process flowchart</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/process-diagram/">Swimlane</a> diagram</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/ishikawa-diagram/">Ishikawa</a> or fishbone diagram</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/5-whys/">5 Whys</a> analysis</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/force-field-analysis/">Force field analysis</a></li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/quality-management-tools/">Pareto</a> chart</li>
<li>Six Sigma methodology’s <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/dmaic/">DMAIC</a> (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/pdca-cycle.asp">PDCA</a> <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/pdca/">(Plan, Do, Check, and Act)</a></li>
<li>DRIVE (Define, Review, Identify, Verify, and Execute)</li>
<li>Business <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/automation-process/">process automation</a></li>
</ul>


Who can do process analysis?

When is the right time to conduct a BPA?

How often should the operation’s processes be analyzed?

What are the challenges when analyzing processes?

FAQs About Process Analysis

A Comprehensive Guide to Process Analysis

two professionals conducting process analysis

Process Analysis

<h2><strong>Why is it Important?</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Serious and life-threatening emergencies are incredibly hard to predict or prevent.  Organizations have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of their workers. One important aspect of an </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/occupational-health-and-safety/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> program is an emergency response plan. The set of measures stated therein aims to provide guidance during a crisis and outlines the roles and responsibilities of each individual in the organization and the resources available to them. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">An emergency preparedness and response plan is the most effective way to deal with any emergency.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additionally:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Prevent fatalities and injuries</strong> &#8211; <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/disaster-preparedness-plan/">Disaster planning</a> means saving lives. <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/natural-disasters">Deaths from natural disasters</a> have decreased significantly in the past century because of disaster preparedness.</li>
<li><strong>Mitigate damage</strong> &#8211; Destruction of buildings, breakdown of equipment, and contamination of stocks mean financial losses. Companies can prevent extensive damage with an immediate and proper response.</li>
<li><strong>Protect the surrounding environment</strong> &#8211; Proactive and protective actions aim to localize threats. Doing this will prevent or lessen the spread of the impact to nearby communities.</li>
<li><strong>Resume normal operations as soon as possible</strong> &#8211; Catastrophes, natural or man-made, can cripple the whole organization. A well-designed and properly implemented emergency preparedness and response program can help companies get back on their feet quickly and safely.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Types and Examples</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although there is a basic template for what this document for emergency response looks like, it can be customized to counter a specific threat or suit a particular industry. Here are the types of emergency response plans, along with their examples:</span></p>
<h3>General Preparedness and Emergency Response</h3>
<p>This covers the fundamental aspects of disaster preparedness, such as <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-assessment/">risk assessment</a>, basic emergency procedures, and proper communication.</p>
<p>Small or medium enterprises opt to use this type when they deem their operations to be relatively low-risk. However, the system must be deeply ingrained within the workforce. Knowing evacuation procedures, understanding fire safety, and learning basic life support like first aid and CPR are just some crucial actions that can prevent injuries, eradicate fatalities, and minimize damage.</p>
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<h3>Specialized Emergency Response</h3>
<p>This type is tailored to address specific emergencies or specific risks in an organization. It should have detailed information about the threat, its consequences, the ways to contain it, and the people assigned to the job. Below are different kinds of situations that require technical <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/emergency-action-plan/">action plans</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/weather-disaster/">Severe weather</a> conditions (hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms)</li>
<li>Natural calamities (<a href="https://safetyculture.com/health-and-safety/earthquake-response/">earthquakes</a>, tsunamis, and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/fire-safety-plan/">wildfire</a>)</li>
<li>Vehicular crashes (cars, trains, aircraft, etc.)</li>
<li>Hazardous materials accidents like fuel or <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/oil-spills/">oil spills</a>)</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/chemical-hazards/">Chemical</a>, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/types-of-biological-hazards/">biological</a>, or radiological disasters</li>
<li>Acts of terrorism</li>
<li>Civil disorder</li>
<li>Active shooter</li>
</ul>
<p>Whether a company goes for the general type or a more specialized emergency response plan, OSHA and other government agencies are prepared to provide technical assistance when the situation overwhelms the organization’s capabilities.</p>
<h2><strong>What to Include in an Emergency Response Plan</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Designing an emergency response plan can be challenging because there are many risks to consider.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> On top of that, it should include detailed instructions for execution. If you’re unsure where to start, below is a list of the essential elements of an emergency response plan:</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Type of emergency,</li>
<li>Consequences of the emergency,</li>
<li>Required step-by-step action to take,</li>
<li>Detailed list of EMS leads with their contact details and specific duties,</li>
<li>Floor plans of your organization, and</li>
<li>Large scale maps showing service conduits and evacuation routes</li>
</ul>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Emergency Response Plan Template&#8221;]</p>
<p>Check out websites like OSHA (US), CCOHS (Canada), or Safe Work Australia for general <a href="https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3088.pdf">emergency response plan PDFs and documents</a>. You can develop your own based on their recommendations and familiarize yourself with related health and safety regulations applicable to your location.</p>
<h2><strong>Developing an Emergency Response Plan</strong></h2>
<p>Disaster preparedness and response plans are not just handbooks left in office bookshelves to collect dust just because nothing bad happened. They should be revisited regularly to ensure that they still meet the current needs of the organization and conform to new guidelines.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Formulation</strong> &#8211; As aforementioned, the plan should include specific procedures to address the situation. This includes considering the availability of resources (e.g, equipment and supplies). Your stakeholders—your workforce, the community you serve, and the regulatory offices—must also be involved for a better understanding of their roles and a more coordinated response.</li>
<li><strong>Implementation</strong> &#8211; This covers information dissemination, such as sending emergency response plan PDFs to all employees or posting <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/emergency-evacuation-plan/">evacuation plans</a> all over the workplace. It also includes personnel training on must-have skills like basic life support or handling hazardous materials.</li>
<li><strong>Evaluation</strong> &#8211; Conducting drills (e.g., fire, earthquake, active shooter) is a good way to see if the plan works. Organizations should not wait for a catastrophe to test the developed system.</li>
<li><strong>Maintenance</strong> &#8211; There is no perfect plan when it comes to emergencies. Maintenance is all about continuously reviewing it and keeping it up-to-date.</li>
</ul>


Who is involved in the emergency response plan and management?

Is having an emergency response plan for my organization a legal requirement?

What is the biggest challenge in emergency response?

What is the difference between an emergency response plan and an emergency action plan?

What are the legal requirements for having an emergency response plan?

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