Emergency action plans should be incorporated into any work facility, be it a small retail space, a large warehouse, or an office in a skyscraper. This is not only because OSHA requires it, but because these plans are directly responsible for saving lives in the event of a serious emergency. If an emergency incident should occur, a well developed plan to evacuate, ensure employee safety, coordinate with local first responders, and account for employee whereabouts is of the utmost importance.

To help guide employers, OSHA created Standard 1910.38, which guides emergency action plans. This standard requires an emergency action plan be created, and available in writing for any company with more than 10 employees. In addition, an emergency action plan must include procedures for reporting a fire, procedures for an evacuation, procedures for any employees who remain after the evacuation for critical plant operations, procedures to account for employees after the evacuation, procedures for employees performing rescue or medical duties, and the name of every employee who may be contacted by employees who need more information about the emergency action plan.

Further, there are specific requirements for an employee alarm system, employee training, and dissemination of the emergency action plan. In addition, emergency action plans can ensure business continuity. Companies with a well designed emergency action plan are more likely to return to normal business operation, faster.

If you have any questions about how to establish a compliant emergency action plan which takes business continuity into account, please contact us. Should you have anything to add about the importance of an emergency action plan, please leave a comment.