A moment of carelessness, a technical error or a serious accident - there are many triggers that can cause a business to falter. But regardless of whether it's an accident at the plant or a large-scale power outage, one thing always remains the same: good crisis management ensures that the company remains stable and quickly gets back on track. But what does the term crisis management actually mean? And how can you best prepare for an emergency? In this article, we take a look at how you can safely manoeuvre your company through crises - from the best possible prevention to a targeted response.

What exactly is crisis management?

Let's first take a look at what is meant by the term crisis management. Crisis management basically describes all measures that a company takes to be prepared for unforeseen situations and to react appropriately. The aim? To minimise the damage and quickly restore normal operations. It is of secondary relevance whether it is a natural disaster, technical failure or an accident in the workplace - crisis management comes into play as soon as the company or the maintenance of its operational capability is seriously impaired.

Crisis management basically comprises two central elements:

• Prevention: Companies should recognise potential risks at an early stage and take appropriate measures to prevent them from becoming a crisis.
• Intervention: If a crisis does occur despite all preventative measures, it is important to react quickly and purposefully in order to minimise the potential damage.

Good crisis management can be divided into several phases:

1. Risk management and prevention: Ideally, crises should not arise in the first place.
2. Planning and preparation: Create an emergency plan that defines clear responsibilities and communication channels.
3. Acute reaction: As soon as a crisis occurs, everyone involved must act quickly and effectively.
4. Follow-up: After a crisis, it is important to analyse what went well and what needs to be improved. Every crisis is an opportunity to improve.

Crisis management and prevention in the company

The best crisis is the one that never happens. Prevention is therefore the most important building block in crisis management. Companies are legally obliged to ensure the safety of their employees - and not just on paper. Prevention starts with workplace design and extends to regular safety checks and training.

What does good prevention look like in practice?

What could happen in a worst-case scenario? To find that out, you need a Risk assessment. Companies must systematically record and assess all potential risks. This applies not only to accidents, but also to technical failures, natural disasters or economic crises.

The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) and the German Occupational Safety and Health Act (Arbeitsschutzgesetz) provide information on Security measures The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) provides clear guidelines on how workplaces must be designed to prevent accidents. For example, DGUV regulations 1 and 2 require the use of safety experts and company doctors.

Furthermore regular Training and exercises This is crucial so that all employees know how to act correctly and, ideally, quickly in an emergency. Exercises and simulations help to consolidate this knowledge and to practise the procedures again and again.

Practical measures in the event of a crisis: the role of the employers' liability insurance association

But what happens if a crisis occurs despite all the careful preventative measures? This is where the practical steps of crisis management come into play. Cooperation with the employers' liability insurance association (BG) is particularly essential in cases where crisis situations such as major incidents or accidents occur in the company. The employers' liability insurance associations are part of the statutory accident insurance system and take on important tasks in reporting accidents, analysing causes and preventing future incidents.

The following measures will help in the event of a crisis:

1. Accident reportAccidents at work that lead to an incapacity to work of more than three days must be reported to the relevant employers' liability insurance association within three days. Serious accidents or those resulting in death must be reported immediately. This notification is crucial in order to secure statutory benefits such as medical care and injury benefit.
2. First aid and transit doctorInjured persons must be treated by a transit doctor who specialises in accidents at work. The accident and emergency physician will provide initial and further treatment. In the case of more serious accidents, the employers' liability insurance association coordinates the necessary medical and rehabilitative care.
3. Root cause analysisThe BG analyses the course of the accident in cooperation with the company in order to determine the cause and minimise future risks. This includes both technical and organisational aspects that may have contributed to the accident.
4. DocumentationEvery accident - even if it does not have to be reported - should be documented in the so-called first-aid book. This documentation helps to assert later claims and supports the BG in analysing the causes.
5. Psychosocial supportIn addition to medical care, the BG can also offer psychosocial support to help those affected and their colleagues to come to terms with a potentially traumatic accident event

Prevention is the best protection

It has been shown time and time again that crisis management is not just about reacting correctly in an emergency, but above all about preventing potential crises from happening in the first place. Good planning, regular training and close cooperation with employers' liability insurance associations and authorities are crucial to running your business safely. Well thought-out crisis management ensures that your company remains stable even in difficult times and quickly returns to normality.

FAQs

What is crisis management in the company?
Crisis management encompasses all measures that a company takes to be prepared for unforeseen emergencies such as accidents or technical failures. The aim is to minimise the damage and quickly restore work processes.

When does an accident at work have to be reported to the employers' liability insurance association?
An accident at work must be reported within three days if it results in an incapacity to work of more than three days. Serious accidents or accidents resulting in death must be reported immediately

What tasks does the employers' liability insurance association have after an accident?
The employers' liability insurance association analyses the course of the accident, coordinates the medical care provided by accident insurance physicians and offers psychosocial support. It also ensures the prevention of future accidents in the company.

How can companies prevent accidents and crises?
Companies should systematically assess risks, implement safety measures and organise regular training for employees. Close cooperation with the employers' liability insurance association helps to ensure safe operations