Hi,
Just started a new job and it’s great!
However, one thing that has made me uneasy is the fire evacuation/emergency plan we’ve all been made to review.
It says that in an emergency, “employees in the building” are to assist clients or colleagues with limited physical mobility out of the building. This would include stairs, if on the second floor. It literally has a page titled “Responsibility and plan for evacuating individuals who have limited mobility” and then just says “all employees.”
There is no special equipment. No further guidance has been offered. Absolutely no training.
AIBU to have an issue with this and think it’s far too vague and putting too much responsibility/expectation on the able bodied employee being a) strong enough to assist and b) having enough knowledge of how to safely assist? It seems concerning from both an injury perspective to the able bodied person if they are required to lift, as well as sheer disregard to the disabled individual as their “exit plan” in an emergency is being left to untrained, random employees.
I don’t know if I’m being unreasonable or overreacting.
Take me for example: I’m 5”2 and a very small person! If there was a fire and someone was disabled with low mobility, I’d be absolutely no use for physical assistance, and would potentially injure myself if I tried to assist.
I suppose I’d expect at minimum a “shelter in place” point that is pre-agreed, so at least emergency services will know where the individual with low mobility will be waiting. Or some set guidance that everyone can follow. Having a vague “employees will assist” plan seems to suggest that provisions for clients with low mobility will be made up on the spot, and in a real emergency could easily put more people at risk.
Again, a fire etc., is unlikely. But emergencies do happen and I’m wondering if it’s something I should address.
Thank you!