Disasters can strike at any moment, and they can be devastating to small businesses. Andy Burrows — aka The Trades Coach — outlines the process of putting a Disaster Plan in place for your business to ensure you’re prepared for when the worst happens.
At the time of writing, we had just emerged from the worst storm to affect New Zealand in decades.
Although we had some warning of this event and had time to prepare, often disasters can occur quite suddenly.
The construction industry is particularly vulnerable to disasters because of the nature of the work, which often involves working with heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and unpredictable weather conditions.
A disaster plan can help minimise the impact of disasters on your business and keep your team safe. The following outlines disaster planning for small construction businesses.
Identify potential risks
The first step in disaster planning is identifying potential risks. Some of the common risks in the construction industry include natural disasters such as tropical cyclones, floods, accidents on construction sites, and theft or vandalism.
Once you have identified the potential risks, you can start developing a plan to mitigate their impact.
Develop a comprehensive disaster plan
A comprehensive disaster plan is essential for any small business, including construction businesses. The disaster plan should include the following:
• Emergency contact list: The emergency contact list should include the contact information for all employees, clients, suppliers and emergency services. Ensure this list is up to date and easily accessible.
• Evacuation plan: If you are working on a big site, an evacuation plan is crucial for ensuring your team can safely evacuate the premises in case of an emergency. The evacuation plan should include a map of the building and the surrounding area, evacuation points, and meeting points.
• Communication plan: A communication plan is necessary to ensure that everyone is on the same page during an emergency. The plan should include a chain of command, communication channels, and back-up communication methods.
• Business continuity plan: A business continuity plan outlines how you will continue to operate during and after a disaster. The plan should include a back-up location, alternative suppliers, and a plan for how to resume operations as quickly as possible.
• Data protection plan: One of the most valuable assets in a business is your data. Ensure you have all documents, plans, customers and supplier details securely backed up. Consider a physical back-up and also a cloud-based back-up.
• Insurance and financial contingency plans: Insurance and financial contingency plans are critical for ensuring your business can recover after a disaster.
Ensure that your insurance coverage is up to date, and that you have enough funds to cover the cost of recovery.
Train your employees
Once you have developed a disaster plan, it is essential to train your team on how to implement the plan.
All team members should be familiar with the emergency contact list, evacuation plan, communication plan, and safety procedures. Regular training will ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
Secure your property
Securing your property is essential to prevent theft or vandalism. Ensure all tools and equipment are properly secured when not in use.
Additionally, you can install security cameras, fencing and lighting to deter potential thieves.
Review and update your disaster plan regularly
Your disaster plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it is up to date and effective. Review the plan annually and after any significant changes to your business operations, such as a change in location or new team members.
In conclusion, disaster planning is essential for small construction businesses. Identifying potential risks, developing a comprehensive disaster plan, training your team, securing your property, backing up your data, and regularly reviewing and updating your disaster plan are crucial steps to ensure your business can recover after a disaster.
Remember, disasters can strike at any moment, and being prepared can make all the difference.
