The Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this month continues to provide corporate executives lessons for preventing, managing and recovering from a crisis.
The Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this month continues to provide corporate executives lessons for preventing, managing and recovering from a crisis.Don’t Be Hypocritical
Norfolk Southern “presents itself as a backbone of the nation’s economy—a safe and relatively green way to transport freight,” the observed.
“At the same time, labor leaders and federal officials say, it aggressively resists proposed regulation by Washington, opposing new safety standards while searching for loopholes through existing rules.,” the wrote.Expect Blowback
Don’t be surprised when those affected by a crisis are critical of your efforts to prevent or address the situation.
Their issues included air and water safety, cleanup efforts and whether the chemicals released following the crash could have long-term health effects on their families and children—some of whom have said they are still feeling sick weeks after the massive derailment, the news organization reported.
Jim Stewart, a lifelong 65-year-old East Palestine resident, said he is angry and disgusted about what happened to his hometown.
In response, Shaw apologized and vowed to make it right through proper cleanup and reimbursing residents.Answer All Questions
Be sure to have answers to all questions that will be asked about your company’s role in causing or addressing a crisis.
Residents “left the town hall feeling frustrated after many [of] their questions went unanswered, despite their repeated attempts to get clarity on safety measures,” according to CNN.
