Abstract
Emergency preparedness is a critical part of safety management in high-risk industries, where an uncontrolled event can escalate into a fire, explosion, toxic release, equipment failure or multiple-casualty incident. Most industrial organisations maintain emergency plans, response equipment and nominated personnel, but the existence of these arrangements does not itself establish that the organisation can respond effectively under actual emergency conditions. This review examines preparedness from a response-capability perspective. Recognised occupational safety and emergency-management standards, regulatory guidance and recent research were reviewed to identify the elements that influence operational readiness. Seven connected dimensions emerged: risk and emergency scenario identification; emergency planning, command and decision-making; Emergency Response Team capability; emergency equipment and infrastructure; communication, evacuation and accountability; drills and exercises; and external coordination, recovery and organisational learning. The paper proposes an Emergency Preparedness and Response Capability Index (EPRCI), a weighted framework that organisations can use to assess these dimensions together and identify weaknesses that conventional document reviews may miss. The review indicates that a material gap can exist between preparedness recorded on paper and capability demonstrated under pressure. Emergency preparedness should therefore be managed as a measurable, risk-based and continuously tested operational capability rather than as a periodic compliance exercise.
Keywords— emergency preparedness; emergency response; industrial safety; high-risk industry; emergency drills; risk management