An emergency action plan (EAP) is a document that helps an organization prepare for an unexpected situation. This plan ensures everyone within the organization can reach safety and fulfill their assigned roles.
An emergency action plan is often accompanied by regular training so everyone on the team knows their part in the plan.
What Are the Components of an Emergency Action Plan?
There are numerous components that you need to include in your emergency action plan, including:
- Means of reporting fires and other emergencies
- Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments
- Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate
- Accounting for all employees after an emergency evacuation has been completed
- Rescue and medical duties for employees performing them
- Names or job titles of persons who can be contacted
Do I Need an Emergency Action Plan?
Some businesses must have an EAP, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) (29 CFR 1910.38(a)). These businesses tend to deal with hazardous substances or dangerous work conditions.
You can use OSHA’s Expert System to determine whether you need an EAP. Even if OSHA doesn’t require your business to have an EAP, you can still consider implementing one for the well-being of your employees and the workplace.
What Emergencies Require an Emergency Action Plan?
It’s always a good idea to have an EAP, though hopefully, you will rarely need to use it. Emergency action plans are put in place to prepare businesses for disasters requiring sheltering or evacuating as quickly as possible. You may need to use an emergency action plan in the event of:
- Biological accidents
- Bomb threats
- Fires
- Floods
- Hazardous material spills
- Heavy storms such as tornadoes
- Hostile intruder situations or workplace violence
- Structural failure
How Does an Emergency Action Plan Benefit Your Workplace?
An EAP can offer the following benefits to your workplace:
Can Prevent Employee Injuries and Fatalities
As a business owner or manager, one of your top priorities should be the well-being and safety of your employees. Having an EAP ensures your employees know how to keep themselves and each other safe in any emergency in the workplace.
Can Minimize Structural Damage
Well-trained and well-informed employees will know how to react to an emergency. For example, they will see the protocol in the EAP in the event of a fire. This knowledge will allow them to react quickly by calling the fire brigade or using provided fire extinguishers, preventing the fire from spreading through your workplace.
Can Reduce Confusion By Clearly Communicating Emergency Procedures
Communicating emergency procedures means your employees will know what to do in what situation. They will know how to follow an established procedure, share, and comply with the EAP.
Can Open Opportunities For B2B Partnerships
Enterprises often want their suppliers to have EAPs to ensure they have emergency preparations to prevent any disruption to their supply chain. A solid EAP could be why a business partners with one company over another.
