Would Your Team Know What to Do in an Emergency?

Emergencies in the workplace—such as fires, chemical spills, or incidents involving lone workers—can happen without warning. The critical question is: is your business prepared to respond effectively?

Why Emergency Planning Matters

Under UK health and safety law, all employers are legally required to have procedures in place to deal with serious and imminent danger. Beyond compliance, a clear and practiced emergency plan is essential for protecting lives, minimising harm, and ensuring business continuity.

Common Workplace Emergencies to Plan For:

• Fires or explosions

• Hazardous substance spills or leaks

• Medical emergencies

• Power failures or equipment breakdowns

• Lone worker incidents

• Terror threats or intruders

What Every Emergency Plan Should Include:

• Clear roles and responsibilities in an emergency

• Evacuation procedures, including designated routes and assembly points

• Methods of raising the alarm and alerting emergency services

• Procedures for assisting vulnerable individuals

• Regular drills and staff training to keep the plan current and effective

Are You Compliant?

Failure to plan effectively can result in enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), financial penalties, and most importantly, serious harm to employees.

A well-prepared team knows what to do—and acts quickly when it counts.

Need help developing or reviewing your emergency procedures?

Get in touch with SVC Safety Solutions for expert guidance.