Employers must have written emergency action plans if they have how many employees or more?

Employers are required to have written emergency action plans when they have 10 or more employees. This requirement is grounded in OSHA regulations, which are designed to ensure that businesses are prepared for a range of emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters, or other workplace hazards.

When an employer has 10 or more employees, having a documented plan fosters a structured approach to emergency preparedness, ensuring that all employees are informed of the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. This includes evacuation routes, responsibilities of staff during an emergency, and how to communicate effectively with emergency services.

The focus on a threshold of 10 employees recognizes that as a workforce increases, the complexity of coordination in emergencies also grows, warranting a formal written plan for clarity and effectiveness. This ensures that all employees understand their roles and can act quickly and confidently during critical situations.