Safety in the workplace starts with preparation. Employees need to know what to do if a fire, chemical spill, natural disaster, civil disturbance or other emergency occurs. Federal guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outline which workplace safety drills and plans to perform as you prepare everyone in your company for emergencies.
Create an Emergency Plan
OSHA guidelines require many companies to create an emergency plan, and even exempt businesses benefit from one because it reduces confusion and property damage. The plan should include escape routes, assignments for employees who manage those routes, procedures for shutting down equipment, accounting for personnel after an emergency, providing medical care and reporting incidents to authorities.
For more on planning and evacuation details, see Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan.
Assign a Safety Coordinator
Designate a person to serve as the safety coordinator. This person answers questions about the emergency plan, organizes required safety paperwork and oversees drills so they run smoothly.
For guidance on communicating procedures and training staff, consult Workplace Safety Communication and Practices.
Sound the Alarms
Choose emergency alarms with a distinctive sound so employees can recognize them immediately. Install alarms throughout the building so everyone can hear them, and connect an auxiliary power source so alarms work if power is lost.
When you run drills, use the alarm to signal the start so employees learn to respond quickly to that sound.
Mark the Evacuation Routes
Evacuation routes should let employees exit the building quickly and safely. Select several routes based on your building layout and make sure they are wide enough, clear of debris and accessible at all times.
Post route drawings in prominent locations and mark routes with bright, visible paint or stickers so they are obvious even in low light or stressful situations.
Perform Regular Safety Drills
Having a written plan is not enough unless employees know how to act. Perform safety drills regularly so staff become familiar with routes and responsibilities.
Invite local fire and police departments to observe and offer tips, then meet afterward to discuss improvements. If you change the emergency plan, schedule a meeting so everyone understands the update.
Safety comes first in any work environment. Begin preparing safety precautions and drills for all departments today and practice until employees evacuate properly and know exactly what to do. If you need help implementing a plan, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my business hold safety drills?
Regular drills are recommended; many employers perform them monthly or at least several times per year, but frequency should reflect your risks and workforce turnover.
What should an emergency plan include?
An emergency plan should list escape routes, roles and responsibilities, shutdown procedures, a system for accounting for employees and instructions for contacting emergency services.
Do small businesses need a safety coordinator?
Yes—having a designated coordinator ensures the plan is maintained, drills are organized and employees have a clear point of contact for safety questions.