Various unwelcome situations can occur during the implementation of a construction project. Undesired circumstances such as extreme weather events, industrial accidents and technical failures, can cause significant damage to a project, varying from delays, extended costs and changes, to even complete cancellation. Whether it is a severe storm, a site-specific fire, or the loss of critical data, when an emergency occurs, those working on a construction project should know exactly what to do. While many of these unfortunate events cannot be prevented or anticipated, their impact can be alleviated by simply planning ahead – this is why planning is crucial.
The key to disaster management is to have a plan in place before disaster strikes. Remember, being prepared is half the battle. An effective disaster management plan is an all-inclusive plan that outlines concise, yet comprehensive policies and procedures for all personnel to follow. If any crucial elements are missing, even the best-laid plans will soon unravel. Keep in mind that disaster management plans must be tailored to each unique project in order to remain effective.
In this blog post, we will explore each phase of the disaster management cycle and discuss why having a proper plan in place can save a construction project from utter catastrophe.
The disaster management cycle is made up of four general phases:
- Mitigation
- Preparedness
- Response
- Recovery
These phases represent the key elements in disaster management planning. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Mitigation
Minimize the effects. Mitigation is the use of strategies to identify and reduce risks prior to, during and post disaster. The goal here is to reduce the vulnerability to damage caused by a future event. All actions involved in reducing risks or impacts are part of the mitigation phase. Some of these actions could include risk management processes such as vulnerability assessments.
Preparedness
Develop a plan. Every plan begins with clear objectives. This phase refers to building an emergency response plan before a disaster strikes to facilitate effective and efficient response. Once the potential risks have been identified in the mitigation phase, they must be incorporated into a disaster management plan. This plan should include clear and adaptable response protocols for managing through the crisis. This includes a communications plan. All personnel should be educated on what to do during and after the emergency. Key actions and responsibilities should be determined and communicated for the plan to be effective.
Preparedness measures may include:
- Warning systems
- Emergency internal contact list
- Emergency exercises and training
Note: Additionally, the plan must always remain in an accessible and known location to all personnel. An effective disaster management plan is frequently tested and evaluated throughout the construction process, so that in the midst of a crisis, it remains effective.
Response
Implement the plan. The response phase includes the mobilization of the necessary emergency services and initial actions to minimize the hazards created by a disaster. Immediate needs should always be addressed first. The safety of personnel on site must be the first priority. Their safety, as well as their ability to manage the crisis and return to work quickly, is of paramount importance. Examples that could be included in the response phase are actions such as evacuation and emergency relief services.
Recovery
Get back to business. The aim of the recovery phase is to restore the affected area to its previous state and resume normal operations as quickly as possible. Recovery efforts are concerned with issues and decisions that must be made after immediate needs are addressed. To facilitate a quick recovery, specific individuals must be identified and appointed specific actions to establish who will be responsible for restoring facilities after disaster strikes. When responsibilities are clear, timely resumption of operations is possible. Recovery activities could include debris cleanup and rebuilding destroyed property.
Conclusion
Just because an event has not occurred yet does not mean it will not occur in the future. By their very nature, disasters are unpredictable. Even construction sites subjected to extensive regulations and regular inspection can experience a major setback. However, it is possible to prepare for and recover from such unforeseen events if you plan ahead. The best chance of weathering the storm is proper disaster management planning.
