Emergency Preparedness Guide for the Workplace
This workplace emergency preparedness guide explains how organizations can identify credible emergencies, establish response arrangements, define responsibilities and test whether plans can work under realistic conditions.
What Is Workplace Emergency Preparedness?
Emergency preparedness is the planning and capability established before an emergency occurs so people can respond effectively to foreseeable events.
Identify Credible Emergency Scenarios
Consider workplace hazards, processes, substances, equipment, location and external events. Planning should reflect scenarios relevant to the actual organization.
Define Response Responsibilities
Establish who initiates alarms, communicates information, coordinates response, supports evacuation or performs other assigned functions.
Establish Communication and Evacuation Arrangements
People should know how warnings are communicated, what actions are expected and where to go when evacuation or another protective response is required.
Provide Relevant Resources and Training
Emergency equipment, information and trained personnel should reflect identified scenarios and applicable workplace requirements.
Exercise and Review the Plan
Drills and exercises can identify weaknesses in communication, coordination and practical response. Record relevant lessons and update arrangements where needed.
