Having one in place can save lives in case of a fire or other emergency by providing a road map of what employees and management should do. It is an essential part of an overall workplace injury and illness prevention plan and is more important than ever in light of growing weather-related catastrophes.
The plan basics
If you are just starting to work on a plan, we recommend assembling a team of trusted employees and/or supervisors from each department to work on it as a group. Each team member will have unique insights into their department and issues that should be considered in the plan.
The emergency plan should include, at a minimum:
· An emergency escape plan, including rapid exit procedures, escape routes and instructions on what employees should do and where they should meet after evacuating.
· Procedures for employees who remain to manage critical operations before they evacuate.
· Procedures for accounting for all staff after an emergency evacuation.
· Rescue and medical duties for employees who are able to perform them.
· Instructions for reporting fires and other emergencies to the authorities.
· A list of people who have specific responsibilities during an evacuation, their phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
· An employee alarm system with a distinctive signal for emergencies.
Tips for your employees
Review the plan with employees when it is introduced, when they are assigned relevant duties, whenever the plan or their responsibilities change, and periodically as a refresher, as needed.Each staff member should be given a copy of the plan. Here’s some advice to impart to your staff when you hold a meeting on your emergency plan:
· Review the company emergency escape plan and familiarize yourself with the facility’s evacuation routes.
· In case of an emergency, stay cool, don’t panic and call a supervisor or designated emergency contact for help.
· If you have questions, please ask them during this meeting or ask your supervisor later. Your question and the subsequent answer could end up saving lives.
· In case of an emergency, the familiar route you take to leave the building may not be the best escape route.
· Get to know the entire facility and review floor plans that identify emergency exits and emergency equipment, like fire extinguishers and pull switches.
· Know where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them. Do not attempt to use one unless you have been trained and it is safe to do so.
Follow up
To ensure that your workers and workplace are prepared for an emergency:
· Conduct periodic emergency drills and keep a record of when they were held and which employees participated.
· Useful preparation measures may include posting emergency phone numbers for the police, fire department, insurance company,utilities and OSHA. These lists should be in conspicuous places around your facility.
· Make sure there are plenty of fire extinguishers and that access to them is not obstructed. Conduct monthly checks of your extinguishers to confirm they are in working order.
· Keep flashlights, batteries and first aid kits with ample supplies.
· Keep areas under tables and desks clear to provide room to take cover.
Update emergency procedures whenever there is a change in operations, hazardous exposures or the physical layout, or when new employees begin working at the location.
Remember: Emergencies are unexpected, but you can plan for them and train your staff in how to respond.
