Occupational health and safety (OH&S) professionals have found themselves on the front line of crisis response, navigating everything from pandemics and extreme weather to supply chain shocks and energy blackouts. These challenges have reshaped the way health and safety teams contribute to business continuity planning, placing people and wellbeing at the heart of organisational resilience.
One key lesson is the value of dynamic risk assessments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many organisations rapidly adapted risk registers and controls to reflect evolving government guidance, changes in workplace layout, and new hazards related to remote work or lone working.
In more recent examples, such as summer heatwaves and winter flooding, OH&S teams have developed protocols for heat stress, air quality, and building access, ensuring that both employees and the public are kept safe during operational disruption.
Another takeaway is the importance of clear, multi-channel communication. During a crisis, health and safety teams play a vital role in providing consistent updates on emergency procedures, protective measures, and support services. Organisations that had pre-established communication platforms, such as SMS alerts or employee apps, found it easier to keep dispersed teams informed and engaged, particularly in high-stress environments.
Mental health has also become a core focus. From managing the psychological impact of long-term remote work to addressing anxiety around returning to high-risk environments, OH&S leaders are expanding their role into emotional wellbeing. Continuity plans increasingly include mental health first aid, access to counselling, and proactive monitoring of staff wellbeing during and after major disruptions.
Crucially, recent crises have highlighted the need for OH&S leaders to be embedded in continuity planning, not just consulted after the fact. Their insight into hazards, incident response, and compliance makes them invaluable members of any resilience or crisis management team.
Looking ahead, successful organisations will be those that integrate health-focused thinking into the DNA of their continuity strategies, building flexibility, empathy, and preparedness into their day-to-day operations.
Are you searching for Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery solutions for your organisation? The Occupational Safety & Health Forum can help!
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
