Visual Literacy in Business - Essay Example

Visual Literacy in Business al Affiliation) Following the outbreak of the Ebola virus that ravaged parts of West Africaand even other isolated cases such as in the U.S, I have deemed it fit to address the issue of disaster preparedness in order to ensure that as an employee of this organization, and as a human being in general, I am able to contribute to the wellbeing of every employee in this workplace, their family members and the society in general.I would like to bring to the attention of the C.E.O the various preventive measures and steps that if adopted effectively, will ensure the safety of everyone and in the event that an outbreak occurs, how a rapid response can ensure limit casualty levels.

I suggest that a committee be formed incorporating members from all departments of the company, from the senior management staff and supervisory staff, to the auxiliary staff. It has been my experience that joint efforts between departments smoothens any activity and reduces red tape and bureaucracy. In addition, a well-organized team with the support of the management is bound to succeed.However, there is need to ensure that there is an open line of communication with the C.D.C to ensure their quick response in case of an emergency.

The team tasked with the disaster preparedness plan will ensure that relevant employee information such as their emergency contact lists, their next of kin and their locations are updated. By liaising with the C.D.C, the company will have access to information regarding treatment matters, at risk/infected personnel and quarantine procedures. I would also recommend simulation exercises to ensure that all company employees are well-versed with the company’s protocols in case of an outbreak or any another disaster.

Howells argues that the use of visual evidence elicits emotional response from the audience. Therefore, by using visuals I think the company employees and the top management staff will be more convinced of the urgency to develop a disaster management plan. Images of the Ebola epidemic earlier this year, the symptoms and the mass graves in Sierra Leone and Liberia, will be instrumental in swaying the management and staff to act. The images will serve as a cautionary tale of how the lack of a preparedness plan, such as was the case in West Africa, can lead to the death of thousands of civilians.

Visual emphasis should be placed on the adverse effects of the epidemic (Howells, 2009).Reference ListHowells, R. (2009). Using visual evidence. Open University Press: McGraw Hill.