Switching off and unplugging electrical appliances when not in use...that is risk
management!
Do you know why your Organisation manages risks?
Have a read below at this ‘risky’ scenario and think about the advantages of managing risks
in your Organisation.
A fire was caused by a faulty microwave in an office kitchenette. It is thought to have started
at about 11.00a.m. In line with the Fire Safety Policy, staff operated the nearest fire alarm
call point, dialed the emergency telephone number and then followed the local departmental
fire emergency procedures. All 20 staff were successfully evacuated from the building during
the emergency.
The fire service was alerted to the fire by the Switchboard at 11.10a.m arriving on site at
11.19a.m by which time the fire was still contained. The fire was brought under control by
12.00p.m.
The only casualty reported was Mabel who suffered from shock and was treated for this.
The fire services Investigation into the incident commended the Organisation for its
management of the evacuation, heat sensors present in the offices, excellent staff training
and storage of the microwave behind a fire door, which proved successful in averting what
could have been a disaster.
What did the Organisation do well in proactively managing this fire incident?
Stored the microwave behind a fire door which held back the seat of the fire and prevented spread
Excellent staff training (including the mandatory fire awareness training and local fire safety induction)
Provided heat sensors in the offices
Carried out regular PAT testing
Provided a fire blanket
Had a Fire Safety Policy in place
The following are some reasons why we manage risks including:
To enable delivery of the Organisation’s Strategic Objectives
To protect the Organisation’s reputation
To inform key business decisions and enable the prioritisation of actions
To reduce financial loss/exposure
To avoid prosecution/legal challenge
To ensure compliance with regulations
To ensure professional standards are maintained
Can you think of some other reasons why we manage risks?
To help you think about risk management, we can work with you and your Organisation to
put together a practical solution tailor made to suit your requirements.