6.1 Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace

A workplace emergency is a circumstance that exposes workers, clients, and other members of the community to a dangerous situation; it can disrupt operations and cause damage to the facility. Workplace emergencies can be unexpected and often unpredictable situations requiring immediate response from staff. Emergency preparedness involves planning and staff training to facilitate the most effective response possible to anticipated incidents. The goal of emergency preparedness and planning is employee safety, client and visitor safety, business continuity, which minimizes downtime in operations and property damage, and is legally compliant (CCOHS, 2022).

As a member of the management team that supervises and leads staff in the workplace, the Nutrition and Food Service manager will be involved in the review and creation of emergency preparedness plans.