Along with the normal operations of businesses comes the risk of emergency situations ranging from natural disasters to violent incidents such as an active shooter situation.
Developing a detailed emergency action plan is not only a legal requirement for most employers, but also helps improve workplace responses to disasters, fires and other emergencies.
Employers should also create an emergency evacuation policy. While this is not a substitute for the required emergency action plan, it provides an overview of evacuation procedures and identifies individuals who have specific responsibilities in the company's emergency response.
Employers should effectively communicate their action plan and policies to supervisors and employees.