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Contingency planning is simply an outline of procedures to follow in case some major event impacts your operations. Technically, the contingency plan is a document that identifies the actions the organizations will take when a specified incident happens. The plan demonstrates that the organization has thought of ways to minimize the impact to its operations and by default the customer’s.
Below are 8 steps for effective contingency planning:
By following the steps outlined above, you will be able to create effective contingencies to address your business functions. Remember, contingency plans should be developed for critical processes, tasks and/or systems.
To learn how Accupoint can help you streamline contingency planning, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250 or visit us on the web at accupointsoftware.com.
Below are 8 steps for effective contingency planning:
- Start by setting up a committee and chose a lead. The leader will provide the skills, tools and direction so that each department can develop its own plans. Contingency planning is a big task, so involve the appropriate number of people to maximize input.
- Record the business processes for each department.
- Identify issues (real and potential) that can negatively impact business operations.
- Review the issues with department managers and rank contingency priority to help focus plan development.
- Create plans to address each prioritized issue. Try to minimize the number of steps required to resume operations.
- Test your contingency plans. If a portion of the plan is flawed or conflicts with other contingency plans, modify and then reassess the plan.
- Formalize and communicate the plan with applicable personnel within the organization.
- Finally, make sure to review the plan at predetermined intervals to insure continued relevance. The review helps identify areas for improvement or modification.
By following the steps outlined above, you will be able to create effective contingencies to address your business functions. Remember, contingency plans should be developed for critical processes, tasks and/or systems.
To learn how Accupoint can help you streamline contingency planning, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250 or visit us on the web at accupointsoftware.com.
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Not too long ago, only large companies could afford the advantage of software to improve production, efficiency, and safety. The high price tag resulted from the nature of on-site software. Not only was the price for the product high, but also clients were charged fees for service and training on the software that could dwarf the cost of the product. This structure prevented many budget-conscious firms from purchasing software that could benefit them.
Times have changed.
The increased availability of SaaS (Software as a Service) applications have made it possible for companies of all sizes to achieve the benefits that were once only attainable by larger firms. On-site software has the distinct disadvantage of requiring installation whereas SaaS requires no installation because it operates in the cloud. This eliminates the need for additional personnel expenses to manage an on-site system. SaaS applications also do not require the frequent maintenance that is common with its on-site counterparts.
The SaaS model is ideal for firms that choose to operate in a cost-effective manner. You may have thought about software for your business but quickly dismissed it because of perceived costs. If your firm could benefit from a software application, don’t assume that it won’t fit your budget.
For more information on how Accupoint's flexible, cloud-based platform can provide your organization with a cost effective alternative to manage your compliance management systems visit Accupoint or call us at (800)563-6250 to learn more about our SaaS applications.
Times have changed.
The increased availability of SaaS (Software as a Service) applications have made it possible for companies of all sizes to achieve the benefits that were once only attainable by larger firms. On-site software has the distinct disadvantage of requiring installation whereas SaaS requires no installation because it operates in the cloud. This eliminates the need for additional personnel expenses to manage an on-site system. SaaS applications also do not require the frequent maintenance that is common with its on-site counterparts.
The SaaS model is ideal for firms that choose to operate in a cost-effective manner. You may have thought about software for your business but quickly dismissed it because of perceived costs. If your firm could benefit from a software application, don’t assume that it won’t fit your budget.
For more information on how Accupoint's flexible, cloud-based platform can provide your organization with a cost effective alternative to manage your compliance management systems visit Accupoint or call us at (800)563-6250 to learn more about our SaaS applications.
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Shell Oil Co.’s vice president of health, safety and environment, Dwight Johnston, thinks he has found the key to offshore safety. Shell has experienced a decrease in injuries since they implemented a program to improve the quality of life for its workers on its offshore facilities.
Shell’s “Care Councils”, which consist of workers from various disciplines, meet to discuss how to improve the facilities where workers live for two or three-week stretches.
The workers on these offshore facilities are either working, eating or sleeping while offshore. Johnston feels that if you give employees a comfortable bed that it will translate into a more well-rested, and ultimately safer worker. Shell has supplied foam mattresses to offshore workers and has already experienced four straight months without an injury.
These “Care Councils” seem to be an effective way to increase safety and improve employee morale. Shell plans to continue “Care Councils” and expand into areas such as which workers get priority on the helicopter rides home for family events.
To see how Accupoint can improve organizational safety and efficiency visit accupointsoftware.com or call (800) 563-6250.
Shell’s “Care Councils”, which consist of workers from various disciplines, meet to discuss how to improve the facilities where workers live for two or three-week stretches.
The workers on these offshore facilities are either working, eating or sleeping while offshore. Johnston feels that if you give employees a comfortable bed that it will translate into a more well-rested, and ultimately safer worker. Shell has supplied foam mattresses to offshore workers and has already experienced four straight months without an injury.
These “Care Councils” seem to be an effective way to increase safety and improve employee morale. Shell plans to continue “Care Councils” and expand into areas such as which workers get priority on the helicopter rides home for family events.
To see how Accupoint can improve organizational safety and efficiency visit accupointsoftware.com or call (800) 563-6250.
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We are in the midst of the dog days of summer and staying cool is on the top of everyone’s mind. It is the perfect time of the year to take a dip in a pool or relax in the air conditioning. But many of us have to work during August, so we must keep cool while on the job.
It isn’t difficult to imagine a scenario where workers will be dealing with extreme heat this time of year. When a person is exposed to a hot environment, his/her body must find a way to release the heat. If this heat isn’t released, workers can experience some serious side effects.
Workers that are more likely to be affected by heat related illness are those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight or take medications that may cause an adverse reaction to excessive heat. Of course, this does not mean that if these do not apply to you that you are safe from heat related illness.
Heat related illnesses are a significant concern in the workplace and it is important that we take the appropriate steps in order to mitigate the risk.
Extreme heat should be avoided whenever possible. If exposure cannot be avoided, employers should:
It isn’t difficult to imagine a scenario where workers will be dealing with extreme heat this time of year. When a person is exposed to a hot environment, his/her body must find a way to release the heat. If this heat isn’t released, workers can experience some serious side effects.
Workers that are more likely to be affected by heat related illness are those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight or take medications that may cause an adverse reaction to excessive heat. Of course, this does not mean that if these do not apply to you that you are safe from heat related illness.
Heat related illnesses are a significant concern in the workplace and it is important that we take the appropriate steps in order to mitigate the risk.
Extreme heat should be avoided whenever possible. If exposure cannot be avoided, employers should:
- Provide liquids to workers
- Give rest periods
- Monitor workers who are at greater risk
- Gradually build into heavy work
- Avoid drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar
- Wear light-colored, breathable clothing
