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Emergency Procedures Policy

Author: Leanne Coffman

When to Use

For the unprepared workplace, even a minor emergency may be catastrophic. Chaotic responses and delays in performing lifesaving duties may easily result, gravely affecting the health and safety of workers.

Although employers cannot predict all crisis events, steps can be taken to prepare the workplace, which reduces the potential for critical errors and confused responses during emergencies. Central components of emergency preparedness are well documented procedures and worker training.

OSHA has long recognized the correlation between site specific procedures and the reduction of workplace hazards. In fact, employers must develop procedures to comply with a vast majority of OSHA regulations, including those of the emergency action plan (EAP) standards.

Under the EAP standard, +29 CFR 1910.38, at the minimum, an employer must create:

  • Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency;
  • Procedures for emergency evacuation, including type of evacuation and exit route assignments;
  • Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate;
  • Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation;
  • Procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue or medical duties.