Emergency Preparedness Towards a Sustainable Work Environment

Sammanfattning

This master's thesis investigates the state of emergency preparedness within student dormitories, using EGEM Premium Residence in Cyprus as an in-depth case study. The research addresses a critical gap between the presence of basic safety infrastructure and the systemic implementation of robust emergency management frameworks. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative surveys, a structured on-site inspection using a custom-developed mobile application, participatory workshops, and an evacuation drill to triangulate the findings. The investigation identified three critical systemic gaps: (1) occupant preparedness deficiency, with 75% of residents unaware of nearest fire exits and 85% having never participated in evacuation drills; (2) organizational system absence, including a lack of documented safety policies, maintenance records, incident reporting mechanisms, and health and safety representation; and (3) technological integration deficit, wherein existing safety infrastructure (fire detection, emergency exits, communication systems) operates in isolation rather than as a coordinated emergency management system. Risk analysis identified training gaps, electrical overloading, obstructed evacuation routes, and inadequate kitchen fire protection as high-priority hazards requiring immediate intervention. A pivotal component of the research was the participatory evaluation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions. Findings reveal strong stakeholder consensus for user-centered digital tools, such as mobile applications with interactive evacuation maps and real-time monitoring systems, while surveillance-based technologies were met with resistance due to privacy concerns. The thesis concludes by proposing a phased intervention strategy, aligned with ISO 45001 principles, which prioritizes immediate remedial actions, mid-term policy development, and long-term strategic investments in feasible ICT. This evidence-based roadmap demonstrates how a synergistic combination of participatory engagement, systematic OHS frameworks, and context-appropriate technology can cultivate a sustainable and resilient safety culture in student accommodation environments. The thesis concludes that sustainable emergency preparedness requires integrated intervention across organizational policy, human competence, physical infrastructure, and technological enablement, none of which, in isolation, produces optimal outcomes. The case of EGEM Premium Residence exemplifies common challenges in student housing globally while illuminating evidence-based solutions transferable to similar institutional contexts.