8 Free Emergency Preparedness Safety Articles
Workplace emergency preparedness is the planning, training, and procedures that help workers respond safely when something goes wrong, from a fire or chemical spill to a tornado, flood, or active shooter. The goal is to decide who does what, and where people go, before an emergency happens, because a fast-moving situation leaves no time to figure it out once it has already begun.
The articles on this page cover the core pieces of a workplace emergency plan, grounded in OSHA's emergency action plan requirements. They explain how to write evacuation procedures, when to shelter-in-place instead of evacuating, and how a construction site plans for its own specific risks. They also walk through responding to a tornado warning or a flood, staying safe during an active shooter situation, and using eyewash stations for chemical eye exposures.
Use them to write or review an emergency action plan, train workers on what to do before an emergency happens, or prepare for a safety meeting. They are written for safety managers, supervisors, and anyone responsible for keeping a workplace ready when the worst happens.
Why it matters
A well-planned Emergency Action Plan helps workers respond quickly and safely.
Emergency Preparedness Safety Articles
Emergency FAQs
What is an emergency action plan (EAP)?
An emergency action plan (EAP) is a written document that spells out what workers and employers do during a workplace emergency like a fire, chemical release, or severe weather. Under OSHA 1910.38, it must cover at a minimum how to report an emergency, evacuation and exit route procedures, what workers running critical operations should do before they leave, how to account for everyone afterward, rescue and medical duties, and a contact for more details.
Does OSHA require an emergency action plan?
Not every employer is required to have an OSHA emergency action plan, but many OSHA standards require one. When required, OSHA 1910.38 requires the emergency action plan to be in writing and available in the workplace, although employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate it orally.
What is the difference between evacuation and shelter-in-place?
Evacuation means leaving the building or area to reach safety, while shelter-in-place means staying inside and making the space as safe as possible. Workers evacuate for inside hazards like a fire or gas leak, where staying put is more dangerous. They shelter-in-place for outside hazards such as a community chemical release, a tornado, or severe weather when going outdoors could be dangerous.
How often does OSHA require you to review the emergency action plan with workers?
Employers should review the emergency action plan with employees at three points (OSHA 1910.38(f)) including when the plan is developed or the worker is first assigned, when the worker's responsibilities under the plan change, and whenever the plan itself changes. The standard does not set a fixed emergency drill schedule, but running practice drills at least once a year is a widely recommended best practice so workers know the routes before a real emergency.
When are eyewash stations required?
Eyewash stations are required wherever workers may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials. Suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body (OSHA 1910.151(c)) are required within the work area for immediate emergency use. The rule does not spell out the design, so employers commonly follow the ANSI Z358.1 standard, which calls for reaching the station within 10 seconds and flushing with clean, tepid water for 15 minutes.
What should workers do during an active shooter situation?
During an active shooter emergency workers should follow Run, Hide, Fight, in that order. Run and get out if there is a safe escape route, leaving belongings behind. Hide if you cannot get out, locking or barricading the door, silencing your phone, and staying out of view. Fight only as a last resort when your life is in immediate danger.
