NOAA via Getty Images
This NOAA handout image, taken by the GOES satellite at 1315 UTC ,shows Hurricane Matthew in the Caribbean Sea heading towards Jamacia, Haiti and Cuba on Oct. 3. Evacuations have started from Florida through North Caroline in anticipation of Matthew traveling up the east coast.
This NOAA handout image, taken by the GOES satellite at 1315 UTC ,shows Hurricane Matthew in the Caribbean Sea heading towards Jamacia, Haiti and Cuba on Oct. 3. Evacuations have started from Florida through North Caroline in anticipation of Matthew traveling up the east coast.
This NOAA handout image, taken by the GOES satellite at 1315 UTC ,shows Hurricane Matthew in the Caribbean Sea heading towards Jamacia, Haiti and Cuba on Oct. 3. Evacuations have started from Florida through North Caroline in anticipation of Matthew traveling up the east coast.
This NOAA handout image, taken by the GOES satellite at 1315 UTC ,shows Hurricane Matthew in the Caribbean Sea heading towards Jamacia, Haiti and Cuba on Oct. 3. Evacuations have started from Florida through North Caroline in anticipation of Matthew traveling up the east coast.
This NOAA handout image, taken by the GOES satellite at 1315 UTC ,shows Hurricane Matthew in the Caribbean Sea heading towards Jamacia, Haiti and Cuba on Oct. 3. Evacuations have started from Florida through North Caroline in anticipation of Matthew traveling up the east coast.

American Workers Are Not Prepared for an Emergency

Oct. 5, 2016
A new poll from the National Safety Council reveals that one-third of American workers are not prepared for an emergency, and that's not good news with Hurricane Matthew knocking on our door.

As businesses and residents from Florida to North Carolina prepare to evacuate in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew, it might be a good time to ask your employees if they feel like they would be prepared in the event of an emergency.

According to a National Safety Council poll, 34 percent of workers in the United States do not feel well trained in emergency practices, including evacuation. The poll reveals a disconnect between workers’ perceptions and those of their employers. Seventy-five percent of managers and supervisors say their employees are well trained to handle an emergency.

In light of the findings, the National Safety Council is calling for all employers to review emergency processes and procedures.

“A disaster can occur at any time, without warning, and workers must be ready to respond,” said John Dony, director of the Campbell Institute and director of Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability at the National Safety Council. “Employers are responsible for ensuring not only a safe work environment, but also the proper training so employees return home every day safe and sound.”

The council found workers in some industries feel better prepared for an emergency than others. Eighty-three percent of employees who work in public transportation feel they were equipped to handle an emergency, while only 51 percent of food service workers believe they are prepared.

To better prepare workers for emergencies, NSC recommends employers:

  • Conduct regular fire and tornado drills.
  • Provide workplace violence education and training, including how to handle an active shooter situation.
  • Communicate impending risks, including inclement weather.
  • Offer First Aid and CPR training to employees.
  • Understand how well trained employees believe they are by conducting regular employee perception surveys.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!