Your team is divided on emergency response protocols in FM. How can you ensure everyone is on the same page?

1 Assess Needs

Before revising or implementing new emergency response protocols, it's crucial to assess the specific needs of your facility. This means understanding the types of emergencies that are most likely to occur, whether they be natural disasters, fires, or security breaches. Consider the unique aspects of your building, such as its layout, occupancy, and the nature of the work conducted there. With a comprehensive risk assessment in place, you can ensure that the protocols developed are tailored to your facility's specific requirements.

2 Develop Consensus

Once the risks are assessed, the next step is to develop a consensus among your team. This can be achieved through workshops or meetings where everyone's input is valued and considered. It's important to discuss the rationale behind each protocol and how it addresses the identified risks. Encouraging open dialogue and addressing concerns can help build a unified vision. Remember, every team member should feel heard and their expertise respected, as this will foster a collaborative atmosphere.

3 Standardize Training

Standardizing training is critical in ensuring that all team members react appropriately during an emergency. This means consistent instruction and practice drills that are reflective of your agreed-upon protocols. Training should be regular and include all levels of staff, from management to new hires. By doing so, you reinforce the procedures and make them second nature to your team. This consistency is key to effective emergency response.

4 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication cannot be overstated in emergency response. All team members must know exactly what is expected of them when an alarm sounds. This means having well-documented protocols that are easily accessible and understood by everyone. Regular updates and reminders about these protocols can help keep them top of mind. Also, consider using visual aids like flowcharts or diagrams to simplify complex procedures.

5 Review Regularly

Emergency response protocols are not static; they need to evolve as new risks emerge or as the facility changes. This requires regular reviews and updates to the protocols. Gather feedback from your team after drills or actual emergencies to identify what worked and what didn't. Use this information to refine your procedures, ensuring they remain effective and that your team stays informed about any changes.

6 Empower Action

Finally, empowering your team to take action is essential. This means trusting them to perform their roles during an emergency without hesitation. To foster this trust, leadership must demonstrate confidence in the protocols and in the team's ability to execute them. Empowerment also comes from knowing that the management supports the team's decisions in high-pressure situations, which can only be achieved when everyone is aligned on the emergency response strategy.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?