Typhoons, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and droughts are just some of the natural disasters that visit the Philippines from time to time. No wonder, as the country is located along the boundary of major tectonic plates, the Pacific Ring of Fire, and the center of the typhoon belt.
Thus warnings and alert levels on the onset and path of a typhoon, the flood situation, and possibly volcanic eruptions, to name a few, are routinely given out. News on devastated villages, displaced families, and recovery/relief efforts follow. No doubt, the losses are huge, not only economically, but more in the lives lost or affected. These have therefore prompted the government in 2017 to mandate EO No. 29 declaring the month of July as National Disaster Resilience Month. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) leads the country in this observance through activities and events to raise awareness of achieving disaster resilience. Activities center on the four thematic areas of DRRM: Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; Preparedness; Response; and Rehabilitation and Recovery
The workplace is not immune to the effects of natural disasters. Buildings, equipment, and other assets can be damaged if not lost. Workers may also be affected by injuries or may even suffer from death. As a response, many workplaces have come up with their own disaster resilience programs.
Resilience, as defined by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), refers to the ability of a system, community, or society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate to and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner. An organization based in the US that helps small businesses grow has this advice to companies on how to prepare for natural disasters that can affect their businesses in the future.
1. Assess your risk – both internally and externally.
2. Assess your critical business functions. Which areas would be most affected
3. Prepare your supply chain, for disruptions and how these can be overcome
4. Back up your data.
5. Create an emergency management plan.
6. Create a crisis communications plan. Communication is key in cases of emergencies
7. Assemble emergency supplies.
8. Plan for an alternate location.
9. Review your insurance coverage.
10. Test your plan.
In disasters, being prepared and knowing what to do can spell the difference between the organization surviving and even thriving, in such incidents. And as a top safety organization in the country, People360 shows the way for such resiliency-even before being chosen as a finalist in the Nationals of NDRRMC's 21st Gawad Kalasag: Search for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance in 2019. It has already developed its Business Continuity Plan and organized its Emergency Response Teams and has been conducting training, activities, and company-wide drills regularly. The company has also consistently participated in the Council's programs and nationwide drills and activities.
People360 not only provides quality OSH service to its clients but also empowers its people to be safe and resilient in times of crisis. Safety after all is for everyone -- Safety for Every Juan!
Sources:
https://disasterphilanthropy.org/resources/resilience/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CDisaster%20Resilience%20is%20the%20ability,prospects%2C%E2%80%9D%20Department%20for%20International%20Dev
https://hhi.harvard.edu/publications/perceptions-disaster-resilience-and-preparedness-philippines
https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/01/natl-disaster-resilience-month-starts-july-1/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_Storm_Megi_(2022)
