Workplace Emergencies: OSHA’s 7 Components of Effective Response Systems

No matter how careful workers may be, accidents can happen, and they can sometimes result in workplace emergencies that require prompt responses to prevent further injuries and/or fatalities. This is when having effective safety and health managements systems in place can save lives.

Just what makes a safety and health management system in a given workplace “effective,” though? Here’s a look at what the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends.

OSHA’s Recommendations for Dealing with Workplace Emergencies

According to OSHA, employers will have the best chances of appropriately responding to workplace emergencies when their safety and health managements systems include the following components:

1. Planning, which entails developing written, detailed plans regarding what employees should do when workplace emergencies occur – These plans should include escape routes, medical duties, means for reporting emergencies, etc.
2. Instituting a chain of command so that everyone knows who to report to and take direction from when workplace emergencies arise
3. Setting up emergency response teams that can be trained to handle specific types of workplace emergencies and/or crises – With specialized teams, these teams can be immediately deployed to respond to emergencies and help contain any additional risks they may present.
4. Developing response activities, which can include alerting other employees to workplace emergencies and then accounting for all employees
5. Training employees on necessary workplace safety procedures, as well as procedures for responding to workplace emergencies
6. Having the appropriate personal protective gear for emergency responders who may have to deal with hazards like fires, toxic chemicals, falling objects, etc.
7. Getting medical assistance, which OSHA states should happen within 3 to 4 minutes of workplace emergencies arising – While this aspect can involve training some workers to perform CPR, it should also include details about contacting EMS to respond to the emergency (if and when necessary).

Does your employer have a detailed plan for responding to workplace emergencies? If so, do you know what it is and what your role may be in carrying it out? Share your thoughts and comments with us here and on social media.

Denver Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at the Law Office of Steven J. Picardi

If you have been hurt at work, it’s time to contact the Denver workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Steven J. Picardi.

With more than 30 years of combined workers’ compensation experience, our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Colorado workers’ compensation law, strong credentials and a significant record of success. This has helped them to defend employers and represent injured employees in all phases of workers’ compensation litigation. Our firm’s lawyers remain abreast of the latest changes in workers’ compensation laws and are ready to use their skills and knowledge to your advantage.

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For experienced legal advocacy in defending or filing a workers’ compensation claim, contact the Picardi Law Firm for a consultation by calling (303) 778-8881 or by emailing us using the form at the top of the screen.