On a construction site, emergencies and disasters can strike anywhere, anytime causing potentially catastrophic injuries to workers and/or damage to property. That’s why contractors should plan for workplace emergencies at all job sites to minimize employee injuries/illnesses and loss of property when an emergency strikes.
Types of emergencies:
- Construction operations
- Occupational injury
- Weather conditions
- Fire hazards
- Extended power loss
- Utility strikes
- Acts of terrorism
- Chemical spills
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN(EAP)
The best way to protect yourself and others is to prepare for an emergency before it happens by doing a thorough assessment of the workplace and reviewing with employees the general contractors (GC) Emergency action plan. If no information has been provided ask the GC about the site EAP plan.
What you should do:
- Know the emergency audio alarms system and location of alarms devices on site.
- Know the location of posted emergency phone numbers for first responders.
- Know the evacuation routes for each work zone.
- Leave the area immediately!
- Maintain communication (cell phone) with supervisor and co-workers.
- Know the location of fire extinguishers in each work area.
- Know the assembly areas.
- Know designated shelter during extreme weather conditions.
- Report to the GC any obstructions blocking access to stairwells or stairs.
- Report to the GC obstructions or flammable chemicals in designated egress zones and exit ways.
- Report missing fire extinguishers to the General Contractor.
- Know alternate exit routes in case of obstructions, fires, material, equipment, or other hazards that prevent safe egress.
