OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe. This year’s Safe + Sound Week, which starts on August 11, is focused on emergency preparedness and response actions that should be done at work or at home.
UCOR’ s Emergency Management Program (EMP) is an important element of our
Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS). The implementation of the UCOR EMP
helps to lessen the severity and/or amount of injuries, reduce the amount of cost
associated with damage or loss of government-owned resources, and quickly restore full
operations. The UCOR EMP is achieved through the following:
Emergency Planning—Includes the identification of hazards and threats, development and preparation of plans and procedures, and identification of personnel and resources needed for effective response.
Emergency Preparedness—Includes the acquisition and maintenance of resources, training, and drills.
Emergency Response— Includes the application of resources to mitigate consequences to workers, the public, the environment, and national security, and the initiative of recovery from an emergency.
It is equally important to create and maintain an emergency plan for your family and home:
•Know how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings.•Develop a shelter plan and follow directions issued by local authorities.
•Plan for and be familiar with evacuation routes.
•Establish a family communications plan.
•Create emergency kits for your home and vehicles. Periodically inspect and update the kits as necessary.
Visit www.tn.gov/tema/ready-tn.html for additional information regarding home-based emergency planning.
As a group, discuss the following:
1.Why is emergency preparedness at work and home important?
2.Lack of emergency-related information, a poorly created emergency plan, and confusion or panic can make an emergency worse. What actions can you take to protect your family and co-workers during an emergency?