Dive Brief:
- When it comes to workplace safety preparedness, employees and mangers/supervisors apparently have very divergent perceptions of reality, according to a recent survey from the National Safety Council (NSC).
- The NSC survey found that while 34% of American workers do not feel well-trained in emergency practices, including evacuation, 75% of managers and supervisors say their employees are well-trained to handle an emergency.
- The NSC found workers in some industries feel better prepared for an emergency than others, as 83% of employees who work in public transportation feel they were equipped to handle an emergency, while only 51% of food service workers believe they are prepared.
Dive Insight:
In light of the findings, the NSC would like all employers to review emergency processes and procedures. Experts say that in cases such as fire or weather-related events, employers do tend to have relatively good records on emergency prep training. But in more serious matters, such as workplace active shooter situations, the record is not as good. Also, being prepared for an emergency and actually feeling safe are two different things; employees may not be as safe as they think.
As for basics, HR leaders should step up in order to ensure that every workplace conduct regular fire and tornado drills; provide workplace violence education and training (including how to handle an active shooter situation); communicate any predictable risk scenarios (including inclement weather news), offer employees First Aid and CPR training, and conduct regular employee perception surveys.