Emergency response and planning for the BC Public Service

Last updated: January 5, 2023

An emergency response plan promotes safety awareness and commitment to safety. BC Public Service supervisors must have a plan for responding to potential emergencies.

If you need immediate assistance:

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Emergency response plan

BC Public Service supervisors

An emergency response plan template is under development and will be available July 15, 2022.

  • An emergency response plan promotes safety awareness and commitment to safety
  • It explains how to handle sudden, unexpected situations at your workplace
  • A good plan looks at the emergencies that could happen and hazards that could make them more dangerous
  • Supervisors must have a plan for responding to potential emergencies
  • An important part of response is being prepared, all employees must know how to respond to an emergency situation
  • Exercises and drills for emergency response plans must take place once a year
  • During an emergency, you must be able to make quick decisions

A successful emergency response plan:

  • Identifies risks and hazards most likely to occur at your workplace
  • Includes response procedures
  • Outlines training, drills and communication requirements to ensure plans are effective

Emergencies you should include in your worksite plan are:

  • Fire
  • Earthquake
  • Power loss
  • Severe weather (tornadoes, ice storms)
  • Chemical or flammable liquid spills
  • Bomb threats or suspicious packages
  • Incidents at neighbouring buildings

Ask your building supervisor if an emergency plan is already in place.

You may be expected to designate members of your staff to perform specific roles in the plan.

Critical incident response (CIR) services

Critical incident response (CIR) services assist with a workplace crisis, traumatic event or employee victimization.

Critical incidents can include, but are not limited to:

  • Accidents or injury
  • Accidental death
  • Violence or attempted violence
  • Robbery
  • Suicide
  • Natural disaster
  • A colleague's terminal illness
  • Death of a colleague
  • Layoff

Sometimes called crisis management, CIR services are tailored to the workplace and situation.

It's a different service than counselling support.

For more information, review Critical incident response.

Access CIR services

There is a charge for CIR services.

Call the Employee and Family Assistance Services (EFAS) provider: 

  • 1-800-655-5004
  • Select option 3 on the keypad
  • Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

The ministry or agency representative who requests this service will be billed through the BC Public Service Agency.

For more information, review Critical incident response.

Training resources

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Can’t find what you need?

Submit an AskMyHR (IDIR restricted) service request.

Submit using the categories Myself > Workplace Safety > Urgent Health and Safety Support

If you're a government employee without an IDIR, call the BC Public Service Agency to submit your service request.