Emergency Preparedness Is a Must, Not an Option

An effective workplace emergency planning is vital to save lives, protect facilities from any damage and to prevent injuries. It is what every organization must be prepared for, rather than keeping it off for the last minute.

Remember that emergency planning is not really an option which you can choose, but is a federal OSHA requirement and is a state requirement as well. So, you must be sure to meet those requirements.

There are various ways to prepare workplace emergencies by coming prepared with:

• A written emergency action for evacuation and providing shelter for employees (29 CFR 1910.38).

• A well designed fire prevention plan to protect workers from workplace fires’ ravages (29 CFR 1910.39).

• Effective alarm systems (29 CFR 1910.165) as well as fire suppression systems (29 CFR 1910.157-163).

• Well planned and marked fire exits (29 CFR 1910.37).

OSHA also requires workers to be trained under OSHA safety training courses or HAZWOPER safety courses based on the requirements of their needs. The OSHA or HAZWOPER trainings would provide workers with knowledge about the emergency action plans and offer other critical response information.

Emergency response is not something which you learn on the spot. You have to learn about it and have to practice it throughout. Make sure all your employees are well informed and trained for any emergency response.