Build an emergency response plan your team can act on

A clear emergency response plan helps protect workers, residents, clients, and visitors during a workplace emergency. It can help reduce confusion, speed response time, and guide people on what to do when every second matters. 

In long-term care and home support, emergencies can take many forms. These may include wildfire, earthquake, fire, flood, power outage, medical emergency, chemical or drug exposure, biohazard cleanup, extreme weather, air pollution, communication loss, or loss of water supply. 

Whether you are a front-line worker or part of the leadership team, everyone has a role in emergency preparedness. 

Why emergency response planning matters 

Employers are responsible for planning and preparing for workplace emergencies. A strong emergency response plan helps people respond safely and in an organized way. It can help save lives, prevent or reduce injuries, and protect property and operations from further harm. 

It also helps workers know what to expect. When people understand the plan, where to go, who to contact, and what steps to take, there is less panic and less confusion during an emergency. 

What workers need to know 

Workers need to know their organization's emergency response plan and be trained on how to respond safely. They should understand: 

• The different parts of the emergency response plan 
• The types of emergencies that could happen in the workplace 
• What steps to take in different emergency situations
• How emergency notifications will be shared 
• Who is on the emergency response team and how to contact them 
• Where emergency equipment is located and how to use it 
• Where to go during an evacuation, including the muster station or assembly area 

What leaders need to plan for 

Leaders play a key role in ensuring emergency response planning is practical, comprehensive, and understood across the workplace. This includes,  

• Identifying the emergencies that could happen in your workplace 
• Creating clear procedures for each type of emergency 
• Outlining roles and responsibilities 
• Setting up emergency communication methods 
• Identifying primary and secondary evacuation routes 
• Posting emergency procedures and maps where workers can access them 
• Reviewing first aid procedures and keeping supplies current 
• Making sure emergency supplies are available 
• Establishing procedures to support people with disabilities 
• Choosing an assembly area and a head-count process 
• Providing orientation and refresher training 
• Running drills at least once a year 
• Reviewing and updating the plan when gaps are found, when the workplace changes, or when regulatory requirements change 

Include workers in the plan 

Emergency response planning should not happen in isolation. Under the OHS Regulation, employers must involve the joint health and safety committee (JOHSC), worker representative, or other workers when developing key parts of the emergency response plan, including those related to hazardous substances. 

Workers bring direct knowledge of day-to-day risks, routines, and challenges. Their input can help make the plan more practical and easier to follow in a real emergency. 

Education opportunity

Need support with your emergency response plan? 

Reach out to us at info@safecarebc.ca for support with emergency preparedness planning, including review and development support for your emergency preparedness plan. 

Information on regulatory requirements for emergency preparedness and response can be found in the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, sections 4.13 to 4.18, and the related guidelines.