FM Global: Workers say businesses not well prepared for severe winter

A WORKFORCE POLL found that many businesses across the country score poorly on being prepared for severe winter weather.
A WORKFORCE POLL found that many businesses across the country score poorly on being prepared for severe winter weather.

JOHNSTON – A workforce poll found that many businesses across the country score poorly on being prepared for severe winter weather.
The poll, conducted this month by FM Global, the Rhode Island-based business property insurer, found that nearly one-third of full-time American workers – 32 percent – assign their employers a grade of C, D or F when it comes to preparedness for a major winter storm.
It also found that more than half of U.S. workers – 52 percent – employed full time said they are dissatisfied with their employers’ preparedness, and that they want their company to be better prepared for a winter storm.
“America’s feedback speaks to the need for businesses to be more proactive and overall more resilient, when it comes to winter weather,” Brion Callori, senior vice president, engineering and research, FM Global, said in a statement.
“Insurance won’t bring back lost customers, market share or fix a damaged corporate reputation for unprepared businesses. A business continuity plan which has been well-tested and communicated to employees can address such risk and help companies avoid costly physical and financial losses,” Callori said.
FM Global recommends that businesses take the following precautions during severe winter weather conditions: inspect a roof for weakness; arrange for key facility staff to be available during expected cold spells to monitor for damage, leaks or sprinkler piping breaks; and have procedures in place for maintaining adequate heat, especially if an operation shutdown becomes necessary.

FM Global used TNS, a research agency, for the study. Full-time employees, age 18 and older, were polled from a nationally representative sample. The survey had a margin of error of plus/minus 4 percentage points at a 90 percent confidence level; it was completed by 426 participants.
The poll is especially timely considering the barrage of severe winter weather that Rhode Island has experienced since the end of January.

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