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OSHA Emergency Action Plan for Construction

Updated Apr 3, 2026
Procedures for responding to workplace emergencies

Emergency action plans establish procedures for responding to fires, medical emergencies, severe weather, and other emergencies. The plan must identify exit routes and assembly areas. Exit routes must be clearly marked and kept clear of obstacles. Multiple exits must be available to allow escape if one is blocked. Assembly areas must be selected outside the danger zone where personnel gather after evacuation. Communication systems must allow emergency notifications. Alarms or sirens signal emergency situations. Communication devices allow calling emergency services. All personnel must be trained on emergency procedures. Training must cover evacuation routes, assembly area locations, and shelter-in-place locations for severe weather. Drills must be conducted periodically to practice procedures. Drills identify deficiencies in the plan. First aid capabilities must be available with trained first aid personnel. First aid stations must be located and equipped. Medical supplies must be stocked and regularly checked. Recovery procedures must address how to resume operations after an emergency. Utilities must be shut down in case of severe damage. Equipment must be inspected before resuming operations. The plan must be kept available for reference by all personnel. Posted signage identifies exit routes and emergency procedures. Recovery procedures address restoration of utilities, cleanup, and assessment of damage.

TAGS
oshaemergency-responseplanning
DETAILS
applicability
All construction sites
citation frequency
Common
RELATED KNOWLEDGE
⛑️ Safety
OSHA 1926.501 — Fall Protection Duty to Have Fall Protection
Each employee on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge 6 feet or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by guardrail, safety net, or personal fall arrest system.
⛑️ Safety
OSHA 1926.651 — Excavation General Requirements
Excavations deeper than 5 feet require protective systems (sloping, shoring, or shielding) unless excavation is made entirely in stable rock. All excavations 20 feet or deeper require engineering design.
📋 Code
IBC Section 1107 — Accessible Unit and Dwelling Unit Elements
Requires accessible common use elements within individual residential units.
⛑️ Safety
OSHA 1926.1200-1213 — Confined Space Entry in Construction
Permit-required confined space entry requires atmosphere testing, ventilation, trained attendant, rescue plan, and written permit. Applies to manholes, tanks, vaults, pits, and excavations over 4 feet deep.
⛑️ Safety
OSHA 1926.1053 — Ladders
Requirements for portable and fixed ladders. Extend 3 feet above landing. 4:1 pitch ratio for portable. Load capacity rated. Inspect before each use. #3 cause of fall injuries in construction.
⛑️ Safety
OSHA 1926.451 — Scaffolding General Requirements
Scaffolds must support 4x intended load without failure. Guardrails required at 10 feet. Competent person must supervise erection. Workers must be trained. #2 most-cited OSHA standard in construction.
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