Building Resilience Beyond the Emergency Plan: Disaster Risk and Workforce Protection

Building Resilience Beyond the Emergency Plan: Disaster Risk and Workforce Protection

Writing in Risk Management Magazine, Chase Hattaway of RumbergerKirk warns that many organizations remain underprepared for crises. Despite the rising frequency of natural disasters, a Fusion Risk Management survey found that 25% of companies still lack the tools to safeguard employees. This oversight leaves both workers and employers exposed to unnecessary risk.

Hattaway argues that resilience requires more than drafting an emergency plan but demands a cycle of preparation, execution, and recovery. During the preparation phase, employers should assess regional risks, develop detailed safety protocols, and utilize available resources, such as OSHA’s emergency planning guidance. Just as importantly, communication systems must be reliable, tested, and supported by trained staff. With survey data indicating significant gaps in employee training and emergency drills, risk managers have a compelling reason to prioritize this area.

Execution during a crisis hinges on effective communication and adherence to legal compliance. From evacuation orders to wage and hour rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act, clarity and consistency protect both the workforce and the organization.

Finally, Hattaway stresses that recovery is not simply operational; there is also a human element. Employees may face lasting health or caregiving needs that trigger protections under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Organizations that respond with compassion and legal diligence not only support their people but also reinforce trust in their leadership.

For risk professionals, disaster risk cannot be managed reactively. Building resilience across all three phases helps ensure compliance, protect employees, and speed recovery when crises inevitably arise.