Trained individuals who can supervise and coordinate activities to ensure a safe and successful evacuation during weather events, such as dangerous thunderstorms and lightning strikes
The United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, www.osha.gov) provides a series of web-based eTools or “electronic tools” for evacuation plans and procedures. OSHA highlights how only drafting an emergency action plan (EAP) is insufficient to ensure the safety of employees. When evacuation from a project or site is required, employers “…need responsible, trained individuals who can supervise and coordinate activities to ensure a safe and successful evacuation….” during weather events, such as dangerous thunderstorms and lightning strikes! Further, OSHA continues that an EAP only offers utility to employees, when employers first update content, second educate employees, and third train employees:
- Update content of weather-related emergency action plans on a regular basis.
- Educate employees on weather-related emergency action plans.
- Train employees before an actual evacuation occurs due to weather events.
Further, in the web-based eTools for evacuation plans and procedures, OSHA remarks that “…complex plans are required in workplaces containing hazardous materials or workplaces where employees fight fires, perform rescue and medical tasks, or delay evacuation after alarms sound to shut down critical equipment…” — including assets and facilities in the built environment.
The best weather-related EAPs include both employees and subcontractors as integral contributors to the planning process — making recommendations about potential hazards, worst-case scenarios and emergency responses to weather events. It is mission critical that weather-related emergency action plans be project-specific and site-specific, with respect to four key elements:
- Emergency conditions evaluated
- Evacuation policies and procedures
- Emergency reporting mechanisms
- Alarm systems
Accordingly, the first step is for employers to develop a comprehensive, weather-related emergency action plan (EAP). Below is an emergency action plan checklist with six general issues for weather-related emergencies, when developing a comprehensive, weather-related EAP for projects and sites across the construction industry and built environment.
Emergency Action Plan Checklist – Six General Issues for Weather-Related Emergencies
- Does the plan consider all potential weather-related emergencies, such as high winds, dangerous thunderstorms and lightning strikes, which can disrupt the site?
- Does the plan consider the impact of weather-related emergencies on site operations, and is the response tailored to the site?
- Does the plan contain a list of key personnel with contact information, and also contact information for local emergency responders, agencies and contractors?
- Does the plan contain the names and phone numbers of individuals to contact for additional information or an explanation of duties and responsibilities under the plan?
- Does the plan address how rescue operations will be performed, and how medical assistance will be provided in the event of weather-related emergencies?
- Does the plan identify how or where personal information on employees can be obtained in weather-related emergencies?
(Source: Adapted from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/checklists/eap.html)
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