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Controlling Winter Weather's Impact on the Workplace

Jan. 28, 2000

A worker safety consulting firm explains how companies can avoid being paralyzed by relentless winter storms.

Companies paralyzed by plummeting temperatures and relentless winter storms across much of the United States can take steps to ensure that harsh weather dosesn't spell business disaster.

CCH Inc., a provider of worker safety and employment law information, said it is possible to protect your business before mother nature strikes again.

"While severe weather of any kind presents special workplace challenges, companies can help ensure they are not blindsided by bad weather if they follow some simple steps," said Nancy Kaylor, CCH workplace analyst. "The first, and most important step, is developing a checklist for an emergency contingency plan."

Although each company should tailor a plan to fit its specific needs, the steps that companies should follow in developing an effective emergency contingency plan are the same.

Organize a dedicated group. Establish a committee of members from each significant part of the business.

Plan for the worst possible scenarios. Have each member assume the worst and list emergency situations that could affect the organization and employees. Identify items that are of most importance to continuing the business.

Identify internal alternatives. For items most important to the business, determine if there were alternatives that could have been pursued before the disaster to avoid total lost. For example, maintain duplicate records at a different site.

Verify external alternatives, contingencies and insurance.

In addition to planning alternatives, committee members should include the following in their emergency planning efforts.

Specify under what circumstances a facility will be closed, who makes the decision, how the decision is communicated and whether the employees will be compensated.
Establish emergency call-in numbers for employees.
Coordinate contingency planning with other safety and workplace violence planning. Don't reinvent the wheel.
If your company operates 24 hours a day or provides critical services, determine the plan for alternative electricity, water storage and other routine public services.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.