Lifecycle of Emergency Events
Even in our less-than-ideal world – the world of monitoring, alerting and communications for our lone workers, infrastructure and key assets – we can have one system managing everything for us. Monitoring, processing event alerts, handling communications, recording information, providing reports. One system is usually easier, quicker, more effective, and more affordable. In this post we look at the lifecycle of an emergency event and how you can manage all such events comfortably, with the right technology. Equipment and Infrastructure Emergency Events Emergency events occur typically in one of three areas: people, infrastructure or equipment. Taking infrastructure and equipment, this might be fire or intruder alarms, and key physical assets like machines or tools. One of these elements creates an event. Perhaps it’s an intrusion into a specific part of the facility. It could be smoke or a fire setting off a sensor in a particular location. Alternatively, perhaps a faulty or broken valve on a machine triggers an alert. The alarm systems and individual machines can be associated with a person or persons who are responsible for responding. A security person, an engineer, perhaps a technical support staff member. Each respondent gets a text alert the moment the alert is created, telling them which asset is failing and exactly where the asset is located. The respondent responds, informing the communication system via their mobile device that they’re managing the event. Once the event is dealt with, they close the event on the system so that the relevant people know the problem has been addressed. The system records the pertinent data, which is then available for auditing and reporting purposes. Lone Worker Emergency Events In the lone worker scenario, lone workers could be inside the facility in one of the buildings, on site but outside, or offsite – pretty much anywhere in the world in fact. As with infrastructure and equipment, lone workers can be connected – via specific rules in the system – to a team of specific responders depending on who the lone workers are, where they are, and the time of day, to take into account the various teams and shifts. A lone worker emergency event might be a range of situations. Perhaps the lone worker has been threatened and is at the risk of assault, or sees an issue like a fire, causing them to manually trigger an alert. Perhaps they have slipped, fallen or suffered an unforeseen and sudden health issue and are not able to activate an alarm themselves. In this instance their device does this for them automatically. The system receives the alert, processes it and activates emergency messaging to the responders, often using multiple methods simultaneously: on their desktop computer, via text on their mobile, and via a responder app on their mobile. Responders can click on the alert message to pinpoint the precise location of the stricken staff member. They respond to the message, manage the event and close it via the system, so that all the key parties can stay up-to-date in real time on the event’s progress. Later, when it comes to reviewing the event and incorporating any lessons learned into improved processes and risk assessment, the company can rely on the auditing and reporting capabilities of the system, as well as demonstrate its compliance with regulations and best practices. The same lifecycle, the same system There may be different tools for receiving, managing and closing events. This may depend on the business, the industry, the type of event and the type of responder. In any event – pun intended! – the lifecycle is the same from end to end, through monitoring, alerting, communications and reporting. The system can also be the same, a single ‘go to’ source for managing the various processes, assets and alarms. The right software and automation simplifies operational complexities for businesses and helps them keep their lone workers safe, their staff ‘in the loop’ and their operations productive. To discuss how you can improve the way you prepare for and manage the lifecycle of your emergency events, contact us here.
