National Preparedness Month Observed During September

National Preparedness Month designed to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. OSHA is alerting employers about emergencies that can be the result of man-made or natural causes, including hurricanes, floods, tornadoes,explosions, civil disturbances, fires, toxic gas releases, chemical spills, radiological accidents, workplace violence, and terrorism. All too often, people are forced to evacuate their workplace without warning and when least expected. Few people can think clearly and logically in a crisis, and that is why it is so important to prepare for an emergency before it happens. The best way to protect yourself, those you work with, or your business, is to expect the unexpected and develop an emergency action plan to guide you when immediate action is necessary. While OSHA does not require all establishments to have an emergency action plan, the agency certainly encourages all businesses to have one. OSHA’s interactive, Web-based Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool is a resource to help employers prevent severe employee injuries during emergencies.

We also have the infographic to get the subject rolling at your workplace.