Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/414216
34 Oil Prophets This publication is intended to provide general recommendations regarding risk prevention. It is not intended to include all steps or processes necessary to adequately protect you, your business, or your customers. You should always consult your personal attorney and insurance advisor for advice unique to you and your business. © 2014 Federated Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. It's Our Business to Protect Yours® INSURANCE ISSUES Does your company do anything special for fire prevention week every year? Perhaps you analyze your current fire prevention and detection systems: An effective disaster response plan? Check. Working alarms? Check. Charged fire extinguishers and a sprinkler system? Check and check. Employee training and involvement? Check…kind of. Fire prevention equipment primarily protects things, but it is action that protects people. Knowledge is power, especially in an emergency. Employees who are properly trained to take action and calmly execute the emergency plan are an effective defense against potential tragedy. Workers know personal safety is ultimately their responsibility, but sometimes it takes coaching from management to reinforce and restate its importance. Are they doing everything they can to support the company's fire prevention policies and protect themselves? Here are some best practices to help ready your employees in the event of a workplace fire. Establish an off-site employee • meeting place Include a notification and • evacuation plan for employees who require special assistance (physical limitations, hearing impaired, etc.) Conduct employee fire safety • meetings to - Review your emergency response plan - Watch fire safety videos - Discuss what to do in case of fire - Discuss your building's fire safety systems - Identify fire hazards - Practice a fire drill - Demonstrate fire extinguisher use - Ask for input on fire prevention ideas - Assign responsibility (which maintains employee involvement) Only you (and your employees!) can prevent workplace fires Make it a routine part of your company's overall risk management program to check your business's fire risks often and take steps to eliminate them. A recent study by Federated revealed that over 80% of fire-related insurance claims could have been prevented. That means a defensive stance on fire prevention can stop most fires before they start. But, if one does occur, a quick response is often the best means of keeping people safe. Your Employees Can Help Keep You from Getting Burned Garrett Pepper Account Executive, ARMS