A recent study by Evac+Chair International has found that 25% of businesses are unaware of how many of their staff have mobility issues, and four in five are unsure about their statutory obligations. The report can be found here. The report found that 10% of businesses were not prepared, or were unsure of their preparedness, to ensure the safe evacuation of staff with mobility issues.
With approximately 4.8 million disabled workers in the UK, businesses and employers are falling short of their mandatory health and safety obligations. PEEP’s are mandatory for those who cannot escape the facility on their own and need assistance. PEEP’s should be drawn up for those with mobility issues, severe arthritis, asthma, hearing and visual impairments, and cardiac and chronic back problems. The aim is to provide the necessary information and assistance to manage their escape. A questionnaire can be sent to affected staff to highlight their own difficulties, after which a risk assessment should be drawn up with adequate control measures.
Despite recent tragic incidents, for example, Grenfell, shortcomings continue due to ignorance and a lack of knowledge and understanding, and this is putting lives at stake. The report asks the government to issue specific guidance, better education, and stringent enforcement. The report also contained personal accounts from those who have experienced difficulties with evacuation procedures. One person with chronic knee problems, who was using a walking stick, was stuck on the 22nd floor of a high-rise building when the alarm sounded. The fire marshal did not know if there were any special arrangements or equipment to evacuate her, nor did he know who was responsible for her personal evacuation. Do you know if you have vulnerable staff? Do you know who is or may be at risk? Do your evacuation plans cater to them?
Employers are responsible for the safety of their staff. It is their duty to know who has or may have mobility issues (hence the importance of regular health and safety reviews) and to draw up Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans for those identified. What should employers do?
- Carry out regular reviews and update your HS and HR personnel files.
- Consult staff who are or may have mobility issues.
- Draw up a PEEP for the vulnerable persons.
- identify the individual.
- The department/area they work in.
- Brief details of the nature and extent of their mobility issues.
- Nominate a designated person(s) to accompany/stay with them.
- Details of steps to be taken in case of an evacuation.
- Regularly review and update this Plan.
Given that failure to cater for this group of employees may lead to serious incidents and fatalities, it is important that employers review and update their evacuation procedures to cater for vulnerable staff.
Quest can offer advice and assistance to ensure you are/remain compliant, to help you save lives and avoid expensive prosecutions and litigation. You can contact the advice line on 0116 274 9193.
