US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association

An emergency action plan is a written document required by OSHA standards as per 29 CFR 1910.38(a). For smaller organizations, the plan does not need to be written and may be communicated orally if there are 10 or fewer employees. The purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. Well-developed emergency plans and proper employee training (such that employees understand their roles and responsibilities within the plan) will result in fewer and less severe employee injuries and less structural damage to the facility during emergencies. Not having an EAP, having an inadequate one or not properly implementing your EAP will likely lead to a disorganized evacuation or emergency response, resulting in confusion, injury and property damage.

The elements of the plan must include, but are not limited to:

  • Names or job titles of persons who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan
  • Emergency phone numbers including local emergency offices
  • Procedures for reporting fires and other emergencies
  • Evacuation procedures, emergency escape routes and emergency meeting points
  • Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate
  • Procedures to account for all employees after an emergency evacuation has been completed
  • Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them (in case you have an emergency response team at your location)

OSHA’s eTool can help small, low-hazard service or retail businesses implement an emergency action plan and comply with OSHA’s emergency standards. You can access this eTool at: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/index.html.

If you need some assistance and help to develop an EAP specific to your operations, please contact the UVICELL Safety in Paradise office at 340-693-1146 or via email at safetyinparadise@uvi.edu for additional information.

UVICELL Safety in Paradise can help small and medium-sized employers by providing free OSHA On-Site Consultation Services. To learn more about this free and confidential safety and health program visit: http://safety.uvi.edu/.

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