Construction Safety Training Video Series Addresses Disaster Preparedness In A Post 911 World
The new construction safety training video series Lessons from Ground Zero was inspired by the work of safety experts who protected rescuers during the WTC evacuations in 1993 and 2001. The ‘lessons’ have been translated into best practice procedures for worst-case scenarios and teach effective strategies that saved lives on September 11th.
The lessons learned and acted upon after the 1993 bombing expedited the September 11th evacuation of more than 18,000 people from the World Trade Center,” explains Mark Woeppel, President and CEO of Pinnacle Strategies, the company behind Safety-Video.com and Lessons from Ground Zero. “The critical security changes that were put into place got people to safety...four hours faster than in 1993.”
Workplace ‘Disasters’ Are Common
Thankfully, few businesses will ever be targets of deliberate acts of violence that are the focus of this construction safety video, but the probability that an accidental workplace ‘disaster’ will occur is high. Chief among the threats: fire.
According to research by Maine Municipal Association Risk Management Services, there are between 70.000 to 80,000 workplace fires in the United States each year. The cost of workplace fires is more than $2 billion annually. However the more troubling statistic is that 5,000 people are estimated to be injured in these fires and as many as 200 people lose their lives.
This makes disaster management a very ‘human’ issue.
Two Challenges for Disaster Managers
Lessons From Ground Zero examines the two key drivers of life-saving disaster management that WTC experts highlight in their remarks. The first challenge is maintaining a state of preparedness. To meet the demands of unexpected circumstances, workplaces should be prepared in advance with routinely tested radios, flashlights, and properly stocked first aid kits.
Employees must be familiar with the proper use of fire extinguishers and should participate regularly in fire drills. “Many people associate fire drills with their grade school years,” acknowledges Woeppel, “but practicing what to do in an emergency really does save lives.”
The second challenge for a disaster-ready business is creating a strategy to get people to safety. “The events of September 11th underscore the importance of evacuation plans and how vital it is to have accurate building maps available,” says Woeppel.
How to Be Ready for Anything
It is not difficult to put together a comprehensive, custom-tailored emergency response plan for a business...but it is essential. An inclusive approach is most effective. On its web site, OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) says that businesses “may find it beneficial to include a diverse group of representatives (management and employees) in this planning process and to meet frequently to review progress and allocate development tasks.”
A workplace evaluation is the first step. Then, based on what the findings of that evaluation, develop an action plan that employees use in response to different types of emergencies that might occur. “To be most effective, the action plan should take into account your specific worksite layout, structural features, and emergency systems,” emphasizes Woeppel.