If recent events have taught us one thing, it is that there is a need within every business to plan for events that may or may not happen.
Running a successful business requires that your business remains operational in a variety of different conditions-including a natural disaster, a pandemic, an economic crisis, or any other critical situation that could disrupt the flow of normal business.
In the wake of global threats, like the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Emergency and Contingency planning needs to be a top priority.
A good emergency and contingency plan should include any event that might disrupt operations. Some specific areas to include in the plan are:
- natural disasters such as flooding, fires, and gale force wind
- crises, such as threatening animal rights activists, on-the-job injuries, and worksite accidents
Steps to creating a plan
Develop the contingency planning policy statement
A formal policy provides the authority and guidance necessary to develop an effective contingency plan.
Conduct the business impact analysis (BIA)
The BIA helps identify and prioritise equipment for employees who are critical to supporting the business functions.
Identify preventive controls
Includes measures taken to reduce the effects of disruptions
Create contingency strategies/plans
Thorough recovery strategies/plans ensure that the business may recover quickly and effectively following a disruption.
Develop an information system contingency plan
The contingency plan should contain detailed guidance and procedures for restoring any damaged equipment, buildings, and infrastructure
Ensure you plan testing, training, and exercises
Testing validates recovery capabilities, whereas training prepares recovery personnel for plan activation, and exercising the plan identifies planning gaps.
Combined, the activities improve plan effectiveness and overall business preparedness.
Ensure plan maintenance
The plan should be a living document that is updated regularly to remain current with equipment changes & employee changes.
In short:
- Identify
- Prioritise
- Plan
- Execute
- Review
