OSH SolutionsCrisis Management

OSH SolutionsCrisis management or incident management are events normally characterized by confusion and panic.

Often times rational thinkers will have difficulties maintaining their composure in a crisis.

OSH SolutionsAll crisis are different but have similar characteristics.

SurpriseInsufficient informationEscalating flow of events that will outpace response.important issues resulting in a media frenzyLoss of control real or perceivedDisruption of normal decision making processThose affected usually have a short term focus

OSH SolutionsCrisis management involves strategies to mitigate the following characteristicsSurprise- awareness, analysis, contingency plansInsufficient information- reporting guidelinesEscalating events that outpace response- effective procedures, plans and decision makingimportant issues resulting in a media frenzy- external information plan

OSH SolutionsLoss of control real or perceived- leadership, good procedures*(tested)

Disruption of normal decision making process- procedures and planning

Those affected usually have a short term focus- comprehensive strategic plans

OSH SolutionsCrisis managementCan be dealt with by:Policies- common recurring situationsContingency plans- proactive vs reactiveCrisis Mgt. procedures- reactive

OSH SolutionsPolicies or DrillsFor recognized eventsA standard operational proceduresControlAllows outside scrutinyprovides a decision making process- enables a long term focusPolicies will not always cover every drillDrills examine policies not peopleDrills represent the foundation of good policies

OSH SolutionsContingency PlansContingency Planning is about being prepared for the what ifs-anticipating and avoidingWorking through possible events and planning for all possible contingenciesContingency planning needs to be a continuous process

OSH SolutionsCrisis Management ProceduresImmediate first response-drillsIdentification/establishment of a crisis management planning groupGroup covers key functional areasWorks through a defined processAn extension of contingency planning process-but dealing with now vs future

OSH SolutionsPROCESSImmediate action takenIdentification of planning groupAnalysis of situation-current statusOptions available-Solve problems-Monitor situations

Ultimately be prepared to make a decision

Assign roles

Clear command and control measures

Consider additional what ifs

OSH SolutionsOTHER COSIDERATIONSMaintain current programmes

Internal information is critical

External scrutiny -media plan

At the end lesson learned

OSH SolutionsMEDIADO-use media advice-Stick to known facts-tell the truth-keep your koolDO NOT- speculate- lie- apportion blame-offer information off the record

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