Emergency Preparedness – Planning and training are the most critical steps to ensure appropriate actions are taken when an emergency occurs.

Agribusiness, like most workplaces can face unexpected emergencies or disasters.  In an effort to reduce the potential impact of a disaster, employers should develop Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) to prepare for emergencies and disasters before they occur.

At a minimum, and EAP should include:

• Procedures for responding to both natural and man-made emergencies, including fire, a medical emergency, severe weather, and workplace violence.
• Emergency escape routes and procedures, including floorplans and site maps.
• Emergency contact information including first responders and key business personnel (e.g. Human Resources and/or other management personnel).

Worker training is also an important part of implementing an EAP.  Similar to other important trainings, employees should be trained on the EAP at the time of hire and when any significant changes or modifications to the EAP are implemented.

In addition to June being National Safety Month, Congress also passed a resolution in 2007 designating the first week of June annually as National CPR and AED Awareness Week. Having employees trained to administer CPR and AED lifesaving techniques can make the difference when cardiac arrest emergencies occur both in the workplace and at home.

For more helpful information or workplace safety training, please contact Western Growers Insurance Services.

Western Growers Insurance Services is a full-service insurance brokerage offering a suite of insurance products and tailored risk management solutions to agribusiness and related industry members. For more information or assistance, please contact Ken Cooper, Director Risk Strategy for Western Growers Insurance Services, at [email protected].

June has been designated as National Safety Month by the National Safety Council. This event is intended to increase awareness of workplace safety topics and reinforce our collaborative responsibility to keep each other safe. Safety is everyone’s responsibility!

This article is one of a four-part, weekly series following the topics designated for National Safety Month.  The topics are:

Week 1: Emergency Preparedness – Planning and training are the most critical steps to ensure appropriate actions are taken when an emergency occurs.   

Week 2: Slips, Trips, Falls – A frequent cause of significant workplace injury and associated costs, these types of incidents are often preventable. 

Week 3: Heat-Related Illness – According to OSHA, heat illness is a serious occupational hazard that affects workers in many industries, especially those who work outdoors or in hot indoor environments.

Week 4: Hazard Recognition – Being able to spot hazards and implement appropriate corrective action can mean the difference between injury and safety.