What is a workplace emergency?

What is an Emergency Action Plan?

An emergency action plan is a document that defines emergencies that may occur in the workplace and how to address them. Depending on the workplace, these organizations may need to ensure their environment and action plans adhere to safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). Our hospital keeps a copy of the emergency action plan (e.g. Fire Safety Plan, Earthquake Preparedness Plan, Disaster Management Plan, Risk Management Plan, etc) in the office and share it with their employees to ensure everyone can understand and review it as needed.

Workplaces develop these plans for many types of emergencies, often directly related to their line of work or location. These various emergencies require different plans, and some examples of emergencies workplaces may encounter include:

• Hazardous material spills
• Fires
• Typhoon
• Floods
• Tornados
• Severe weather/power loss
• Active shooter
• Medical emergencies 

At a minimum, your emergency action plan must include the following: 

• A preferred method for reporting fires and other emergencies;
• An evacuation policy and procedure; 
• Emergency escape procedures and route assignments, such as floor plans, workplace maps, and safe or refuge areas;
• Names, titles, departments, and telephone numbers of individuals both within and outside your company to contact for additional information or explanation of duties and responsibilities under the emergency plan; 
• Procedures for employees who remain to perform or shut down critical plant operations, operate fire extinguishers, or perform other essential services that cannot be shut down for every emergency alarm before evacuating; and 
• Rescue and medical duties for any workers designated to perform them. You also may want to consider designating an assembly location and procedures to account for all employees after an evacuation.