Extreme Weather Events: Preparation and Response
As the devastating effects of the 2024 hurricane season have reminded us, weather events can oftentimes be extreme, unpredictable and have far-reaching consequences. To ensure business continuity and to best support its employees, it is critical for an employer to thoroughly prepare its workforce and the workplace for such an event. Knowing how to respond to extreme inclement weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, mudslides and blizzards, will help protect both the employer and its employees.
Employers are required by the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) to provide a safe and healthy workplace to their employees. It is therefore important for an employer to take precautionary measures that can be adapted for various weather events.
The following are key steps an employer can take to handle various workplace issues that may arise due to an extreme weather event.
