Minimising the impact of emergency events on workers

Maintaining composure during an emergency is essential, but the unpredictable nature of such situations can make it difficult. While businesses can implement extensive safety protocols, they cannot regulate an individual’s stress response. This physiological reaction, known as the fight-or-flight response, is an instinctive mechanism of the human body. This evolutionary mechanism, designed to ensure survival, can significantly impact a person’s behaviour and decision-making abilities in high-stress situations, writes IGOR KAZAGRANDI, CEO at Orisent powered by Vanguard Wireless.

While fight-or-flight reactions can be beneficial in true life-threatening scenarios, they hinder rational thinking and coordinated responses in workplace emergencies, particularly if it is not clear what action the worker is expected to take. A medical, evacuation or lockdown emergency can cause a significant amount of anxiety if the worker is afraid of getting the emergency response wrong and — worse still — being held accountable for doing so. Understanding our innate human responses is crucial for developing effective emergency management strategies that account for the unpredictable nature of human behaviour under stress.

Workplace emergency planning

In Australia every business is legally required to have a workplace emergency plan. The plan must include emergency procedures, testing protocols, key contacts, and a schedule of regular, relevant training programs for workers. It also needs to detail how effective communication will be established between the person authorised to coordinate the emergency response and all people at the workplace.

Scan this QR code to receive a copy of Safe Work Australia’s Emergency Plan guidelines and a helpful template that can be used to check or update existing planning:

Emergency alert systems

Minimising pressure on workers during a medical, evacuation or lockdown emergency is crucial for ensuring their safety and effective response. An intuitive emergency alert system can significantly reduce stress and improve outcomes in critical situations by removing much of the pressure workers can face during an event. An emergency alert system ensures that workers and property are protected when unforeseen events occur, providing peace of mind and a reliable response framework in any situation.

When selecting an emergency alert system, consider:

• Scalability: How well can the system grow or evolve with the business’s needs? What ongoing investment is required to manage and maintain it?
• Integration: Does the system offer an ability to integrate with existing safety protocols and systems, or other hardware and software currently in use, such as project management apps?
• Training: How much time is the business expected to train workers on the use of the system, and does this training need to extend to contractors and site visitors?
• Testing: Is it easy to conduct frequent drills to familiarise workers with the system and procedures? Does the system record these tests for ongoing reporting and auditing?

Key components of an effective emergency alert system

An emergency alert system will consist of:

• A method for triggering an alert easily accessible by workers around the site
• A method for communicating an alert to the emergency response team, site management and other workers on site if required
• A method for communicating to the person who raised the alert that they are receiving a response
• A method for conducting regular tests and training

Emergency triggers

These can be either physical buttons (triggers) and worker wearables or virtual buttons on a smartphone app. The most important consideration is that they be highly visible, easy to manage and maintain, and simple to use.

Sirens and lights

Once an alert has been triggered, how will the business notify workers of an emergency, regardless of their geographic location? Strobe lights and sirens offer an effective way to alert personnel onsite without any confusion that immediate action needs to be taken. If it is a medical alert, the first responders are notified of the point of origin of the emergency. If it is an evacuation or a lockdown the workers simply follow the steps as per their company emergency management plan.

Smartphone apps

Smartphone apps add an extra layer of accessibility and functionality, enabling mobile teams to respond quickly to medical emergencies and allowing remote activation of emergency systems. Features like GPS tracking provide precise location data, ensuring accurate responses, while real-time updates keep all stakeholders informed as the situation evolves.

Wearables

Lone and remote workers often face heightened risks during dangerous events, as there may be no one nearby to raise an alert on their behalf. Wearable devices allow workers to notify first responders that they need assistance with the press of a button, enhancing their safety. These devices communicate the alert to the rest of the system through the nearest enabled smartphone app or physical device, even from distances of up to 100 metres. They precisely pinpoint the worker’s location, delivering essential information to emergency personnel, and are designed with a long-lasting battery to ensure dependable performance. Additionally, the ability to trigger alerts discreetly ensures workers can call for help without drawing unwanted attention when privacy or safety is a concern.

Benefits of investing in intuitive technology

When designing an emergency alert system, it’s crucial to clearly define its key functionalities and ensure they align with specific needs and operational requirements. Equally important is selecting a system and manufacturer dedicated to continuous development, as this ensures ongoing improvements in user experience and the integration of advanced safety features over time.

• Ease of use: Simple activation methods, such as pressing a single button, ensure that workers can act quickly and effectively, even in high-stress situations.
• Multiple responders: Alerts sent to multiple responders simultaneously ensure a faster, more coordinated response, improving outcomes for all stakeholders.
• Clear information: Communication is critical during emergencies. Alerts that provide detailed information — who, what, where — equip emergency response teams with the knowledge they need to act effectively.
• Customisation: Tailoring the system to unique workplace requirements, such as adjustable siren patterns and durations, enhances the alert and response process.
• Reliability: Utilising wireless networking, IoT and cloud computing ensures real-time system information, eliminating uncertainty and reliance on a press-and-guess approach.
• Futureproofing: Evaluate whether the company chosen is committed to ongoing product development and process improvement. Consider their approach to incorporating future-ready technology.
   

Integrating emergency alert systems into a workplace emergency plan can be a cost-effective way to enhance safety and preparedness. There are various options available in the market, from standalone systems (hardware only) to control panel-managed solutions or those supported by a full suite of software. It is crucial to choose a system that best aligns with a business’s unique needs and operational requirements. By understanding risks, identifying how an emergency alert system could complement current workplace procedures, and consulting with workers to understand their preferences, the system can be tailored for maximum effectiveness.

Image credit: iStock.com/A stockphoto. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.