Picture this: You’re the manager of a bustling public agency. You’ve got a team of dedicated employees, and you’ve put safety measures in place. But emergencies can still happen. Workplace violence, fire, or other health emergencies are risks we live with every day and risks that are best considered when lives are not on the line and time is not in short supply. That’s were inviting first responders for a site tour can really make a difference. Every year the manufacturing plant I worked at would invite local first responders including paramedic teams and the fire department to the facility for a practical tour and training. Law enforcement agencies will often familiarize themselves with the layouts of the schools, hospitals, and large office parks that they serve so that in the event of campus or workplace violence they are not seeing the site for the first time.

Imagine the feeling of being at the grocery store – only they’ve just rearranged the entire layout and it takes you an extra 15 minutes to find everything. 15 minutes isn’t all that much when we’re talking about grocery shopping – but it can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. Read along as I explore the benefits of familiarizing your local first responders with the intricacies of your space.

Let’s break it down:

  1. Familiarity breeds efficiency: Imagine a firefighter rushing into your building during a fire. If they’ve been there before, they’re not wasting precious seconds trying to figure out where everything is. They know the layout, so they can get straight to work, potentially saving lives in the process.
  2. Improved situational awareness: It’s like having an extra set of eyes trained specifically for emergencies. When first responders tour your site, they’re not just looking at the pretty decor; they’re spotting potential hazards and figuring out the best way to tackle them if things go south. Law enforcement might be able to recommend areas that are safer to shelter in than others in the event of workplace violence.
  3. Enhanced communication: In the chaos of an emergency, clear communication can be a lifeline. When first responders know the lay of the land, they can speak more confidently with their team and with anyone else involved, ensuring that everyone is on the same page when seconds count.
    1. Point Person: It can be extremely helpful when organizations pinpoint an individual whose job it is to communicate with emergency personnel. This person should be trained in the organization’s response plans and know the address by heart as well as being fit to provide any other pertinent information.
  4. Identification of access points and resources: Ever played hide-and-seek in a building you’ve never been to? It’s not fun, especially in an emergency. By showing first responders where the exits, fire extinguishers, and other important things are, you’re helping them skip the guesswork and get straight to saving the day.
  5. Risk assessment and pre-planning: It’s like having a game plan before the game even starts. When first responders tour your site, they’re not just sightseeing; they’re strategizing. They’re figuring out what could go wrong and how to deal with it, so when the time comes, they’re ready to roll.
  6. Building relationships and trust: When you invite first responders over for a tour, you’re not just showing off your building; you’re building a relationship. You’re saying, “Hey, we’ve got your back, and we appreciate everything you do.”
  7. Training opportunities: Think of it as a crash course in emergency response. By showing first responders the ins and outs of your facility, you’re giving them valuable training they can’t get anywhere else. It’s like a dress rehearsal for the big show, and when the curtain rises, they’ll be ready to shine.

While these recommendations are advised for any place of work, public entities have an increased duty to respond to the exposures of workplace violence due to the nature of public service and the, at times, contentious nature of that service. By July 1st public entities in California and any entity that has 10 or more employees and is accessible by the public must assess its own exposures to workplace violence, create a plan, train its employees on the plan, and be prepared to respond. We encourage our members to begin the conversation with their Risk Control Advisor about where to start and how to remain compliant with this potentially life-saving mandate.