Every crisis is different but, if and when one does happen, the best way to deal with it remains the same.
Restrata, in partnership with AIS Training, has developed a suite of world-class, OPITO-approved crisis management courses to train senior managers how to manage an emergency scenario.
Here’s my top tips on the first things to do when a crisis breaks.
1. Assess the situation according to the information you have available. Whether it’s an email, a phone call or seeing something happen before your eyes, you can only determine the seriousness of a situation based on accurate knowledge. Once you know the extent of what you’re dealing with, you can determine the most appropriate action.
2. Prioritise tasks. Depending upon the crisis your priorities will differ. For example, if it’s a fire you may need to evacuate the area first and then deploy firefighting teams but if the crisis involves dealing with an anomaly with the plant, the priority may be to secure the plant and surrounding modules to ensure the safety of all personnel. Checklists and company documents and procedures such as Emergency Response Plans are essential to ensure nothing is forgotten. Use of these will ensure that a company’s Emergency Manager is best protected should the unthinkable happen and both the Emergency Manager and company end up in a court of law.
3. Delegate. Making sure you delegate to the most appropriate personnel may sound obvious but in the heat of the moment you may think you can handle all management tasks yourself. You can’t. Getting others involved in activities ensures you are free to handle the strategic thinking and to command and control the situation.
4. Communicate in ‘emergency management terminology.’ In normal management speak, there can be ambiguity in language or the use of phrases such as “Is everyone happy with that?” When managing a crisis, language needs to be precise and instructions clear. “Do you understand my instructions?” is more appropriate than “Is that OK?” Again, it might sound obvious, but you need to be very aware of the words and phrases you are using during a crisis so that people understand what they need to do and why.
To find out more about crisis management courses with Restrata and AIS Training please click here.
