Emergencies don’t wait for convenient timing – and neither should your preparedness plan. Whether it’s a power outage, fire, chemical spill, or natural disaster, a prompt and effective response can mean the difference between safety and chaos.
While public campaigns may encourage individuals to prepare emergency kits at home, employers carry a greater responsibility: to protect workers and maintain order during workplace emergencies. Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), this isn’t just good practice – it’s the law.
This article explores the legal foundations of emergency preparedness in the workplace, outlines key planning components, and provides actionable steps to ensure your organization is ready when it matters most.
The Role of Legislation
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is central to workplace safety. Sections 25 and 26 define employer responsibilities within the Internal Responsibility System (IRS), which places the ultimate responsibility for safety on employers.
Section 25(1)(c) states:
“An employer shall ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed are carried out in the workplace.”
Regulations such as:
- Reg. 851 (Industrial Establishments) — addressing emergency stops, guards, industrial hygiene, and emergency measures for hazardous exposures
- Reg. 213 (Construction Projects) — requiring written emergency procedures for projects (S.17(1)) and specific protocols related to access, suspended platforms, and underground work
- Reg. 67 (Health Care) — outlining emergency procedures for restricted spaces, equipment safety, and exposure to hazardous drugs
further clarify specific emergency requirements.
Additionally, OHSA Section 25(2)(h) requires:
“An employer shall take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker,”
which establishes emergency preparedness as part of due diligence.
Defining and Planning for Emergencies
An emergency is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as:
“A sudden serious and dangerous event or situation which needs immediate action to deal with it.”
In workplace safety terms, an emergency is a hazard that requires identification, risk assessment, control measures, and evaluation.
Recognizing potential emergencies is critical to developing effective response plans. Without clear recognition, plans cannot be developed or executed reliably, which may lead to confusion, delayed response, and increased risk.
Roles and Responsibilities in Emergency Preparedness
Clear definitions of roles and responsibilities are vital to effective emergency response. Essential components of a workplace emergency preparedness course include:
- Procedures addressing fire safety, evacuation, severe weather, natural disasters, medical emergencies, chemical spills, power failures, workplace violence, and other hazards
- Annual review of the Occupational Health and Safety policy and its implementation program, as required by OHSA 25(2)(j)
- Risk assessments to identify gaps and ensure readiness
- Designation of an Emergency Plan Coordinator responsible for overseeing emergency procedures
- Regular training and drills to maintain preparedness and familiarity with protocols
Control measures should incorporate:
- Engineering controls such as fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, emergency alarms, and clear exit routes
- Administrative controls including written procedures, training programs, signage, and routine emergency drills
Assessing Preparedness
Organizations should regularly assess:
- Which tasks require emergency response plans
- The existence and adequacy of these plans
- The effectiveness of current procedures
- The need to develop or update emergency response protocols
Conclusion
Effective emergency preparedness goes beyond having a binder on a shelf – it requires active commitment, legal compliance, and a culture of readiness. When plans are current, roles are clear, and teams are trained, your organization is better equipped to protect lives and limit disruption.
