Creating an Emergency Action Plan: Protecting Your Small Business and Employees

Written By: Atanu Das on Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Assess Potential Emergencies

Identify possible emergency scenarios relevant to your business, such as:

• Fires
• Natural disasters
• Medical emergencies
• Workplace violence

Develop Evacuation Procedures

• Create clear, easy-to-follow evacuation routes
• Designate assembly points outside the building
• Assign roles for guiding evacuations and accounting for employees

Establish Communication Protocols

• Determine how emergencies will be reported and communicated
• Create a system for notifying employees and external emergency services
• Establish a chain of command for decision-making during emergencies

Provide Employee Training

• Conduct regular training sessions on emergency procedures
• Perform drills to practice evacuation and other emergency responses
• Ensure all employees know their roles and responsibilities during an emergency

Include Procedures for Specific Scenarios

• Develop detailed procedures for each identified emergency type
• Include steps for securing critical business information and assets

Review and Update Regularly

• Review your EAP at least annually
• Update the plan as your business evolves or new potential hazards are identified

By creating and maintaining a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan, you demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and business continuity, while also complying with OSHA requirements.