The importance of an effective workplace safety and health program cannot be overemphasized. There are many benefits from such a program, including increased productivity, improved employee morale, reduced absenteeism and illness, and reduced workers’ compensation rates.

 

Unfortunately, workplace accidents and illnesses still occur in spite of efforts to prevent them, and proper planning is necessary to effectively respond to emergencies. Several Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards explicitly require employers to have emergency action plans for their workplaces. Emergency preparedness is a well-known concept in protecting workers’ safety and health.

 

To help employers, safety and health professionals, training directors, and others, the OSHA requirements for emergencies are compiled and summarized in this booklet. This publication provides a generic, non-exhaustive overview of OSHA standards for emergencies. It is not intended to alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

 

Please review the current OSHA standards applicable to your work operations to ensure your compliance.

Tags: Emergency Response and Preparedness Requirements and Guidance, 3122, exit routes, 1910.5(c), General Industry 1910, Shipyard Employment 1915, Marine Terminals 1917, Longshoring 1918, Construction 1926, Agriculture 1928