lecture for international OSH management conference China 2009

1. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
Corporate Social Responsability &
Emergency Management/Rescue Plans
Alberto Cerdá Micó
Senior expert on Social and Economic Development and CSR

2. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
Corporate Social Responsability &
Emergency Management/Rescue Plans
• Governments and civil society are paying increasing
attention on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• CSR issues include a fair application of international
regulations and codes of conduct on labour,
occupational health and safety, social security
benefits and environental issues.
• Emergency management and rescue plans are an
essential part of a safe work environment
• Effective Emergency Management starts with the
identification of potential risks and harms at
enterprise level.

3. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
CSR & Emergency
Management/Rescue Plans
• Dangerous substances are found in many
workplaces
• EU has regulations on the classification and labelling
of dangerous substances
• Information has to be provided by producers &
distributors in a standardised way in safety labels,
risk symbols and safety data sheets
• Employers have to ensure that workers are informed
and trained on the hazardous properties of the
agents manipulated at each work place

4. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
CSR and CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
• 1) Elimination — the best way to reduce the risks
connected with dangerous substances is to remove
the need to use those substances by changing the
process or product.
• 2) Substitution — if elimination is not possible, then
the substitution, or replacement, of the hazardous
substance or the process with one less dangerous is
the next best option.
• 3) Control — if a substance or process cannot be
eliminated or substituted, then exposure may be
prevented or reduced

5. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
Emergency and Rescue Management
Checklist for good communication
• Required a good communication between the
company, workers and public authorities
• Is there a safety data sheet available for each
classified hazardous substance used?
• Is each container for a hazardous biological or
chemical substance labelled with the identity of the
product and appropriate hazard warnings?
• Has a risk assessment been carried out and its
findings communicated to relevant institutions?
• A suitable Corrective Action Plan has been
formulated?

6. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
Checklist for good communication
• Set up a fire/explosion fighting team, biological and
chemical risk preventive teams, etc. were workers
have been trained and equipted, including on the use
of PPE.
• Regular excersises are undertaken to prevent and
fight the risks, including simulations exercises of
evacuation and rescue operations?
• Evacuation routes are marked, emergency lights
operative, fire resisting walls and doors in place?
• First aid information and training is provided and
teams are set up to provide emergency aid?
• Measures have been taken to avoid the spread of the
risk to neighbour communities? Do the evacuation
excercises include the participation of neighbourgring
communities?

7. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
Checklist for good communication
• The information about identified risks and measures
undertaken is shared with Public authorities?
• The extraordinary diversity and range of
emergencies, as well as the needs
of material and human resources to be mobilized to
address them, make the Emergency Management
mainly a problem of organization
• A Regional, Provincial or Local Emergency
Committee has been set up in order to coordinate all
institutions and instructions and guidelines have been
provided to enterprises on how to handle emergency
situations, including the organization of rescue teams
who can easy and quikly access the work places
when required?

8. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
Key recommendations to promote CSR
and introduction of emergency
managementSUPPLIERS & Industry Associations
• - Implement performance measurement
systems to manage social and
environmental issues, including emergency
management and rescue plans.
• - Improve worker-management
communication. Dialogue channels
between workers & management including
information & training on preventive
measures, use of personal protective
equipment in emergency situations.

9. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
Key recommendations to promote CSR
and introduction of emergency
management
• COSTUMERS
• - Provide clear incentives to suppliers.
Incentives for suppliers can include longer
contracts, increased price, public recognition
and rewards.
• - Develop standard industry codes.
Suppliers, customers should be encouraged
to have common industry standards as
opposed to variable standards. They should
cover issues related to emergency and
rescue planning, including simulation
excersises.

10. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
Key recommendations to promote CSR
and introduction of emergency
management
Public Sector Roles
• Mandating
• Set standards through laws and regulations
• Regulators and inspectorates
• Legal and fiscal penalties and rewards
• Facilitating
• Non-binding guidance and support
• Capability building through training
• Creating incentives and market stimulation

11. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
Key recommendations to promote CSR
and introduction of emergency
management
Public Sector Roles
• Partnering
• Combining public and private resources
• Stakeholder engagement
• Dialogue
• Endorsing
• Political support e.g., through CSR award
• Highlighting best practices
• Awareness raising

12. 2nd China Inter. Forum Workplace Emergency M
Corporate Social Responsability &
Emergency Management/Rescue Plans
Thank you for your attention.
Alberto Cerdá Micó
Contact: acerdamico@yahoo.es
www.frameeurope.es