Natural and manmade disaster can strike at anytime which means preparedness is not just for homeowners but employers as well. National Preparedness Month features specific recommendations and guidance for employers and business owners to build workplace resilience and protect staff. Under OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.38, many industries are required to have a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
Here are Some Core Recommendations for Employers:
- Assess Risk: Identify location-specific and industry-specific threats, such as natural disasters, cyber security risks, or fires.
• Develop a Written Plan: Create a clear emergency response plan covering evacuation routes, shelter-in-place procedures, and staff communication.
• Back Up Data: Work with IT teams to securely back up critical business records and digital files.
• Stock Supplies: Equip the workplace with emergency essentials like first-aid kits, water, and flashlights.
• Train Staff: Provide training on how to use emergency equipment, first aid, and response procedures.
• Protect Employees: Share family preparedness and safety information to help employees stay safe on and off the job.
If it is not already in place, employers should designate safety or emergency personnel to act as the primary coordinators and first line of defense to protect lives, property, and business continuity during a crisis. Below is the breakdown of specific staff responsibilities to be considered before, during, and after an emergency:
Pre-Incident Responsibilities (Preparedness) should be assigned for:
Improvements across seven stations—St. George, Stapleton, Grasmere, Old Town, Dongan Hills, Grant City, and Oakwood Heights) that includes:
- Concrete spall and crack repairs
- Platform replacements and stair repairs or replacements
- Expansion joint work and control house repairs
- Fire standpipe replacements, component painting, and drainage system work
The construction work is scheduled to start in the Fall of 2026. Current preparation involves developing Site-Specific EHS documents such as the HASP, JHAs and SWPs.
At its core, OSHA’s message is straightforward: employees have the right to raise health and safety concerns, report injuries, request inspections, and participate in investigations without being punished by their employer.
Pre-Incident Responsibilities (Preparedness) should be assigned for:
• Risk Assessment: to identify potential workplace hazards, from chemical spills and fires to severe weather threats.
• Emergency Planning: to draft, update, and maintain the company’s official Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• Compliance Management: to ensure all emergency procedures meet local safety codes and federal standards (like OSHA regulations).
• Employee Training: to assure that staff are prepared on evacuation routes, shelter-in-place procedures, and proper use of safety equipment.
• Equipment Audits: to confirm that first-aid kits, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), fire extinguishers, and alarms are inspected and ready for an emergency.
Active-Incident Responsibilities (Response) should be assigned for:
• Scene Command: to designate who will take immediate control of the incident site until public emergency services arrive.
• Evacuation Control: to direct employees, contractors, and visitors out of the building or to designated safe zones.
• First Aid Delivery: to administer basic life support, CPR, or immediate medical care to injured individuals (after proper training).
• Hazard Mitigation: to perform minor containment actions if safe to do so, such as shutting down equipment or turning off main utility valves.
• External Liaison: to meet arriving public first responders (fire, police, medical) to provide blueprints, hazard information, and status updates.
Post-Incident Responsibilities (Recovery) should be assigned for:
• Accountability Checks: to verify that all personnel are accounted for at designated assembly points.
• Incident Investigation: to document the timeline, determine the root cause of the incident, and file necessary safety reports.
• Debriefing & Adjustments: to analyze how the response went and update emergency plans to correct any gaps.
Novisal has experts trained in Emergency Preparedness and Response. Contact us to develop a plan or review your current program.