The “immediate and urgent movement of people away from a threat or actual occurrence of a hazard.” That’s how OSHA defines an “emergency evacuation.”
In the United States, the most frequent causes of evacuations are fires and floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says.
Are your workers prepared to evacuate?
“Deciding whether to shelter in place or evacuate to safety … is among the most important decisions that must be made during an emergency,” OSHA says. “Employers should understand and plan for both scenarios.”
The agency notes that local authorities may not be able to provide information about the emergency right away, which would lead to employers having to decide on the best solution for workers.
“If local authorities or the on-scene coordinator (e.g., incident commander or other official in charge) specifically give instructions to evacuate or seek medical treatment, do so immediately,” OSHA advises. “In very hazardous situations, local officials may require mandatory evacuations.” Other tips:
- Watch TV, listen to radio or check online often for information or official instructions.
- Establish a workplace emergency alert notification system. This will allow employers to text, email or call workers regarding emergency situations.
- Pay attention to sirens or other public alert systems for emergency warnings.
September is National Preparedness Month. Go to ready.gov/business to learn more.
McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.
Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication