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Disaster Survival Planning Network
Before the Disaster:
Designate a contact point at work for messages if employees will need to let you know their status.
Have each employee provide you and their family an out-of-area contact name and number. This may be the only way to reunite employees with their families or let relatives know someone is injured.
Have employees inform their relatives not to try to reach them. They will get word to them via their designated out-of-area contact.
Pre-designate where employees are to report to work if normal communications are overloaded. This prevents …
Disaster Survival Planning Network (DSPN)
Defining the Project
Every organization is unique in its structure, culture, processes, products and services, and physical facilities. To build an effective disaster recovery plan, each organization needs to create documents that will fit their own unique requirements and train key personnel for the kinds of disasters that they anticipate.
Copying other organizations’ plans, or producing plans from “cookie-cutter” formulas does not work. Unique vulnerabilities of the organization cannot be identified or addressed using either of the above techniques. Consequently, every disaster recovery project (commonly referred to …
The age of collaboration is upon us. The Internet has made it possible to reach countless numbers of people with the click of the mouse – and in so doing, has made project management more efficient, convenient, and less time consuming. In fact, my entire business has evolved from a traditional EHS consulting practice to a professional project management firm providing resources and services across industries and borders. By taking advantage of the technological tools now available to me, my company can deliver more timely and cost efficient solutions to …
CSC’s industrial hygienists conducted microbial investigation at a major school district in southern California. Apparently, the district uses modular units for classrooms, which were placed directly on soil. Few teachers, as well as, some parents complained of more than usual sickness and upper respiratory discomfort.
Our investigation included a visual, as well as, analytical sampling for laboratory analysis. The sampling was conducted over a week period, which included two episodes of the sampling in a day; mornings and afternoons. The results revealed no unusual mold spore counts, …
by Judy K. Bell, CEM
Disaster Survival Planning Network
In past disasters businesses, schools, and public agencies set up temporary operations immediately after a disaster any way and anywhere they could. In the first weeks following the Northridge earthquake, makeshift cardboard signs were used extensively to convey critical information about hours of business and temporary locations. Signs were painted on storefronts to indicate who was open. Boarded windows carried advertisements for glass repair companies as well as lumber and other critical suppliers. There was an overwhelming sense of urgency to provide at …
by Judy K. Bell, CEM
Disaster Survival Planning Network
The earth begins to shake. You are at work. Your children are in school. Your retired parents are home alone. The shaking becomes more violent, and you duck under your desk to protect yourself. The first thought that flashes into your mind is, “this is it, the BIG ONE is hitting!” It has struck during work hours, and you are frantic to find out about your loved ones. What will you do?
If you are like most, you will panic and immediately grab the …
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to …
Here are five principles embraced by the world’s best-run companies that decrease turnover and increase employee retention.
Principle #1: Capture the Heart
Excellence is impossible with a disengaged heart. As Hal Rosenbluth, CEO of Rosenbluth Travel says, “The highest achievable level of service comes from the heart, so the company that reaches its people’s heart will provide the very best service.”
Companies such as The Walt Disney Corporation, ServiceMaster, and Southwest Airlines create compelling visions to capture the hearts of their employees. Marriott and Meredith Publishing help employees balance work and life demands. …
Jay Brakensiek, President
Southern California American Industrial Hygiene Association
Industrial Hygienists may be called upon to provide assistance in the area of bioterrorism. Issues of Homeland Security, the security of mail, and general responses to potential biological agents are new areas for most industrial hygienists. There are a number of organizations that have guidance on their websites regarding the biohazards of anthrax, and other agents. Here is a brief list of some useful sources:
Federal Bureau of Investigation http://www.fbi.gov/
Center for Disease Control – U. S. Government http://www.cdc.gov/
Office of Homeland Security information
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/10/20011008.html
U.S. Postal Service, …
“Business as usual” no longer applies to companies worldwide struggling with the effects of the latest bioterrorism threat. Providing a safe environment for employees has become top priority, with information being channeled to us through media outlets around the clock. Understanding the real threat, preparing for evidence of exposure, and providing a straight forward remedy that will ensure a healthy environment and peace of mind is a challenge professionals in the environmental, health, and safety profession are faced with today. Looking for support internally, management will rely on their own …
