The American Society of Safety Engineers is offering a checklist for employers on how to increase workplace safety and security during a time of crisis.

In addition to communicating to your employees that their safety and security is a top priority, employers should:

• reassure employees that safety measures are being taken for their protection;
• report unusual or suspicious activity or strangers in or near facility areas to the authorities by calling 911 if the situation warrants immediate attention;
• urge employees and their families to be aware of their surroundings;
• move outdoor activities indoors;
• increase security and surveillance activities and outdoor lighting, and increase the checking of IDs of those entering the building;
• update and review with employees the company emergency response plan (this should be done on a regular basis);
• update response action and ensure that all current local, state and federal emergency service numbers, as well as updated employee emergency contact information, is readily available;
• upgrade the in-house emergency services (EMS) capability to 40-hour First Responder or Emergency Medical Technician-B;
• engage an employee assistance provider (EAP) to council employees and their families on any stress, anxiety, fear and/or depression;
• share your Emergency Response Plan with local businesses and municipalities to help coordinate incident relief efforts should one occur;
• communicate with employees about current events (have round-the-clock TV and/or radio news available for them to watch or listen to on breaks);
• cooperate fully with the authorities.