An emergency action plan covers designated actions employers and employees must take to ensure everyone’s safety from emergencies. Putting together a comprehensive emergency action plan that deals with all types of issues specific to your worksite is not difficult.

Explain your goals in the event of an emergency and ask for help from others in establishing and implementing an emergency action plan. Their commitment and support are critical to the plan’s success.

The best way is to prepare to respond to an emergency before it happens. Few people can think clearly and logically in a crisis, so it is important to do so in advance, when you have time to be thorough.

Correct Supplies

Be CPR first aid certified and have an emergency kit containing:

  • Gauze pads
  • Box of adhesive bandages (band-aids)
  • Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes
  • Scissors and tweezers
  • At least one blanket
  • Adhesive tape
  • Latex gloves
  • Local emergency contact information

Another life-saving device to consider is an automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and is able to treat them through defibrillation – the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.

Be Prepared for Natural Disaster Emergencies

  • Research and prepare for natural disasters common to your area, such as floods, earthquakes or tornadoes.
  • Create an emergency kit for both your home and car.
  • Pay attention to local weather via media reports, notifications from weather apps and emergency apps.
  • Keep everyone informed about weather conditions. Methods include text messages, emails or announcements over an intercom or loudspeaker.
  • Make sure employees, friends, family members know where to seek shelter.

TGhe Midwest Region Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund wants everyone to know that Safety is extremely important to you and others on all jobsites.

Resources

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America