Just half (52%) of workers say they would know what to do to protect themselves if there was an emergency in their workplace that posed a physical threat, according to new research from CareerBuilder.

The survey of more than 1,000 UK employees revealed that although the majority (93%) of respondents said they feel their office is a safe place to work, over a third (37%) of workers don’t think their company has an emergency plan in place in case of fire, floor or another disaster, and many wouldn’t know what to do in those situations.

Scott Helmes, managing director of CareerBuilder UK.

“Workplace emergency plans should be treated with just as much importance as any other workplace policy and procedure.”

A large proportion of workers (63%) say their company has an emergency plan in place in case of fire, flood or other disaster; yet less than half (47%) say the same of extremely severe weather.

When it comes to a technology security breach, 44 percent of workers believe their company has an emergency plan in place, but fewer (42%) say their company has an emergency plan in place in case of a physical attack from another person.

Helmes continued:

“It is of the utmost importance that all employees are not only aware of office emergency procedures, but are well-practiced in them so they know what to do to protect themselves and others.”

CareerBuilder UK provides three tips to help increase worker’s safety in the workplace:

Be prepared – take time to read up on the emergency safety procedures so you know what to do if disaster strikes

Be calm – should the worst happen, take a second to gather your thoughts and think your plan of action through as you could put yourself in more danger by panicking

Be vigilant – take a positive step and be aware of your surroundings, tell a line manager or superior if you suspect suspicious behavior

 

 

 

 

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Steff Humm

Steff joined the HRreview editorial team in November 2014. A former event coordinator and manager, Steff has spent several years working in online journalism. She is a graduate of Middlessex University with a BA in Television Production and will complete a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster in the summer of 2015.