Developing a Crisis Communication Plan

Define the crisis communication team and crisis communication plan before the event This should be predetermined and where possible staffed 

Predetermine likely crisis communication scenarios If you already have a hazard analysis of your most likely hazards and accident types, how would you conununicate to the public and employees if those scenarios became real It would also be helpful to have some generic press releases prepared so that you do not have to invent on the spot. Of course, press releases and communications have to be specific to the situation. 

Train whoever will be the company spokesperson and make them media savvy as well as well informed on the status of the investigation Interviews on the nightly news are usually given in sound bite answers (a reality, whether we like it or not), which is very different from long-form interviews in a more technical setting. Obviously, how this spokesperson delivers the key messages is very important. Be transparent as much as possible. 

As soon as an accident occurs, develop a media response plan Assume that the accident news will go viral immediately. This response plan will determine who will talk for the company how to address the various media outlets, especially social media, key themes, or messages to be communicated and what kinds of media challenges that could exist for the company. Have a plan for how senior leadership should interact with the media They will be confronted at public meetings, speeches, and anywhere they go and should be prepared to respond to a pursuing press. 

System Safety Engineering and Risk Assessment A Practical Approach 

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Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Chapter 11 helps you understand what to do when you must investigate an accident at your facility. It details how to set up the investigation team, investigate the accident, and document the results, lessons learned, and corrective actions. Companies and governments are learning the hard way the importance of how to communicate an accident to the public. This chapter tells you how to develop a crisis communication plan, common mistakes, and the dos and don ts of communicating with the public during an accident. 

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