Planning for an Emergency

An emergency or disaster can strike at any moment, causing injury and destruction along the way. This is why being prepared for any and all situations is necessary, so a response is effective. Below we will discuss some ways OSHA recommends preparing for an emergency and what you can do to keep your employees safe in a disaster situation.
 
OSHA Requirements for Emergencies
A workplace emergency is a situation that threatens workers, customers, or the public; disrupts or shuts down operations; or causes physical or environmental damage. In the construction industry, OSHA requires plans to be in place for means of egress, fire prevention, and emergency action:

• Means of Egress: exits are to be free from obstructions at all times when occupied. Exits are to be marked by a readily visible sign on or pointing towards the exit route
• Fire Prevention: all equipment shall be ready and maintained throughout the construction process. A proper water supply (temporary or permanent) must be present to operate firefighting equipment. Fire extinguishers are to be present for each 3,000ft² of space and may not be more than 100ft from each other
• Emergency Action Plan: a well-organized plan that prepares workers with roles and responsibilities they are in charge of during an emergency. These plans are required when an employer wants to completely evacuate a facility during an emergency.

Emergency Action Plans (EAP) are required to have certain information available to employees. Below we will review how to begin an EAP and the requirements within.
 
Emergency Action Plan Review
Before writing an EAP, a hazard assessment must be completed to analyze any and all physical and chemical hazards present around the building. Once an assessment is completed, each hazard should have a plan on how to address the threat along with any specific workplace layouts or emergency systems that need to be included in remediating the hazard. Once hazards are identified and addressed, your written EAP should include the following information:

• A method or procedures for reporting a fire or emergency (including authorities and project contacts)
• Emergency egress routes posted and visible to show the nearest escape route
• Procedure to account for all workers after an excavation (typically a rally point or refuge area)
• Procedure for workers who are to remain to shutdown critical operations, execute fire extinguishers, or operate other essential functions
• Rescue and medical duties that are to be performed by workers

If your facility is large and includes multiple buildings with multiple hazards, additional EAPs can be created for each specific area.
 
Preparing Your Workers
The best way to prepare your workers for an emergency is to provide training and practice all emergency responses so workers can act quickly when a disaster strikes. Emergency Preparedness Training should include roles, responsibilities, and any special tasks required by employees during an emergency. Annual training drills should be conducted to practice emergency procedures with emergency responders to keep knowledge fresh in all worker minds. Additionally, emergency systems need to be tested regularly to make sure notifications and alarms will properly alert employees during an emergency.
 
Knowing a disaster can strike at any moment, being prepared is paramount to the safety of yourself and your workers. Creating a proper Emergency Action Plan and preparing your employees will keep you ahead of anything that mother nature may throw your way. To keep the conversation going, download the Emergency Action Plan Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.

EAP TBT