Church Safety Compliance: It's More Than Just Fire Drills and Security Teams

Fire drills and security teams are not enough to make a church secure.

Every church puts safety first because it affects everyone who goes there, from members to staff to volunteers to visitors. Many churches only think about safety precautions that are easy to observe, including fire drills and guards. But following safety rules goes far deeper than that. There are a multitude of rules, laws, strategies to deal with risk, and cultural attitudes that all work together to make a place safe and welcoming.

This article goes into great detail about all the numerous parts of church safety compliance, focusing on the most important ones that aren't always simple to observe. We'll talk about the laws that churches must follow, the risk assessments they must do, the policies they must make, the training they must give, and the reviews they must do on a regular basis to keep everyone safe.

The Bigger Picture of Following Church Safety Rules

You need to do the following to keep the church safe:

• Steps to keep your body safe
• Following the norms and laws about safety
• Keeping groups that are in danger safe
• Getting ready for disasters and catastrophes
• Keeping up a culture of safety and prevention

You don't just obey safety rules once; you do it all the time.

Important Parts of Following the Rules for Church Safety

Being ready for emergencies and fire safety

It's very important to have fire drills on a regular basis, clear strategies for getting out, and exits that are easy to get to.

It is important to follow local fire codes, which include examining and taking care of equipment.

Plans for dealing with emergencies should encompass medical emergencies, natural disasters, and situations when there is an active shooter.

Rules and teams for security

Security staff needs to get the right training and be a part of all safety plans.

It is vitally necessary to have rules on who can enter, check visitors, and keep track of happenings.

You are more prepared when you work with the police in your area.

Protecting kids and other vulnerable groups

There are clear rules regarding how to keep kids safe, such as how many people should be with each kid and how to tell someone if something goes wrong.

Teaching workers and volunteers how to keep people safe.

Following the laws of the state about how to report things that must be done.

The safety of buildings and other structures

Following building codes, making sure that people with disabilities can get in, and keeping the building up to code.

Finding and minimizing the chances of slips, falls, and other common injuries.

Regular tests and fixes for safety.

Health and cleanliness

Rules concerning keeping things clean, food safety, and infections that can be spread.

COVID-19 rules or other public health rules that are in place.

Rules and Laws That Must Be Followed

Following OSHA rules while they are in place.

Knowing how rules about who is responsible for the premises affect your debts.

Insurance requirements for safety compliance.

For legal purposes, keeping track of safety training and accidents.

Putting Together a Full Safety Strategy

Check out all the structures and operations of the ministry for any possible risks.

Write down safety rules and procedures that are legal and follow best practices.

Give your workers, volunteers, and security staff frequent training.

Create mechanisms to keep an eye on things, let people know about difficulties, and always make things better.

Get a lawyer to look at your work and give you advice.

Making a Safe Culture

Safety is the top priority for leaders at all levels.

Communication lines that are open and make it easier to tell people about problems or threats.

Keeping the church open by being both careful and friendly.

Final Thoughts

Drills and guards alone won't keep the church safe. It's a whole, proactive plan that includes upholding the law, keeping an eye on threats, and looking out for the neighborhood. Churches that accept this perspective of the whole person provide safe and secure places for ministry to grow.

Inside Links

• Find out more about church liability waivers and how to handle risk.
• Read our legal policy for keeping children safe in church work.
• Find information about church insurance and how to judge legal services.

Links to Other Sites

• OSHA – Safety and Health Topics for Churches
• Child Welfare Information Gateway – Faith-Based Organizations
• National Safety Council – Workplace Safety

This blog post is just for informational purposes and is not legal advice. Talk to qualified legal and safety experts for particular advice on how to keep your church safe.