National Safety Month

National Safety Month, sponsored by the National Safety Council, is an annual observance to educate and influence behaviors around the leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths. Remember that your employees' safety is ultimately your responsibility and that failure to guard that safety can result in problems and/or lawsuits that can damage both your reputation and your bottom line. This week we look at some types of incidents that could be prevented with proper awareness and planning.

Employee safety is a critical part of any business. (Item #1) Are you too complacent about workplace safety? (Item #2) Even if you don't realize, an office can be a dangerous place. (Item #3)

Workplace violence is a huge threat to everyone's safety. (Item #4) Electrical safety should be every organization's concern. (Item #5) Use this checklist to see if your safety measures are up to par. (Item #6)

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

While the hurricane season is officially June 1—November 30, there already is a tropical storm off the southeast coast. Alberto is the earliest tropical storm to form in the Atlantic basin since Ana in 2003. In its 29th year of issuing Atlantic Basin hurricane forecasts, the Colorado State University forecast team has predicted a below-average 2012 Atlantic basin hurricane season due to a cooling of the tropical Atlantic and the potential development of El Nino conditions. The CSU team calls for 10 named storms during the hurricane season. Four of those are expected to become hurricanes and two of those major hurricanes (Saffir/Simpson category 3-4-5) with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater. Time to prepare!

Check out NOAA’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week site. (Item #1) Know the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane? Now you can find out... and get prepared as well. (Item #2) The Red Cross offers a resource you’ll want to know about. (Item #3)

Don’t forget to plan for your pets... even the government is now urging that pets figure in your disaster plans. (Item #4) Use this checklist from the Red Cross to be sure you’re prepared just in case. (Item #5) If you’re not up for putting together your own kit, check online for sources of ready-made kits. (Item #6)

Mass Notification Systems

Ever since such events as the shootings at Virginia Tech and the sniper at Ft. Hood, there has been increasing interest in mass notification systems (MNS). Do you have one or are you thinking of implementing one? If so, you will appreciate the information in this week’s articles.

Everything you didn’t know you needed to know about MNS solutions. (Item #1) There are many different types of MNS solutions; here is some info about them. (Item #2) All types of organizations are now using MN systems. (Item #3)

Here’s how to use a MN system for full fire protection. (Item #4) Take a look at mass notification via social networks. (Item #5) Find out where and how code plays a part in MNS, as well as the many different types of systems and applications. (Item #6)

Business Continuity Planning

"Expect the best, but prepare for the worst." We've all heard this before, but, as I look at it now, I see how appropriate it is for business continuity planning. After all, we do all the planning and preparing hoping we'll never have to use it. If your plans aren't quite up to snuff, this week's articles should help make you "better safe than sorry."

This article gives you a look at the role of HR in business continuity. (Item #1) The most effective organizations will be able to leverage highly available services to improve service uptime, improve the organizational climate for IT staff, and better serve the organization's stakeholders. (Item #2) Here are 10 tips to help you be a more effective business continuity planner. (Item #3)

Business continuity planning is really a form of insurance to minimize the danger of losing your business. (Item #4) How do you calculate the real cost of business downtime? (Item #5) Business interruption insurance should play an important role in funding business recovery. (Item #6)