Tips for Your Company’s Emergency Action Plan (“EAP”)

If you have more than 10 employees, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) requires that your company’s Emergency Action Plan (“EAP”) be in written form.

What are the minimum requirements of an EAP?

29 CFR § 1910.38(c) requires that an EAP include:

• Means of reporting emergencies;
• Evacuation procedures and escape routes;
• Procedures for employees who remain;
• A Method of accounting for all employees;
• Rescue and medical duties; and
• Persons who can be contacted following an emergency.

What are some helpful tips for developing and implementing an EAP?

• Think about all possible emergency situations;
• Involve employees in the planning process;
• Check OSHA’s EAP Checklist;
• Select a coordinator (or team) with authority;
• Post plan and provide a copy to employees;
• Ensure employees receive required training; and
• Review, update, retrain and conduct drills.