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OSHA Offers Evacuation Planning Matrix
4/28/2003
 WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration today announced the release of a new tool to
help employers plan for emergency evacuation of the workplace
in emergency situations. The new Evacuation
Planning Matrix located on OSHA's website will provide
employers with ideas, assistance, and on-line resources to
help them reduce their vulnerability to and plan for workplace
emergencies.
"Recent events in the United States
have underscored the critical importance of workplace
evacuation planning," said John L. Henshaw, Assistant
Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. "An
effective evacuation plan will increase the likelihood that
employees will reach shelter safely if an emergency that
requires evacuation does occur."
The Evacuation
Planning Matrix includes a checklist for employers to help
them evaluate their existing plans to or help in constructing
new ones; a zone pyramid system to evaluate a workplace's risk
of a terrorist incident; and other related on-line resources
to help employers and employees develop emergency evacuation
plans.
OSHA is committed to strengthening workplace
planning and preparedness so that employers and workers may
better protect themselves and reduce the likelihood that they
may be harmed in the event of an emergency requiring
evacuation. OSHA continues to work with other Federal response
agencies to provide accurate, current information in this
rapidly developing area of occupational safety and health.
The new guidance is offered to assist employers and
workers who are interested in implementing plans and
procedures for possible emergency events. However, the
guidance does not create legal obligations for employers or
create rights for third parties. Legal obligations under the
OSH Act are created by statute, regulations, and standards.
OSHA is dedicated to assuring worker safety and
health. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace
and life. For more information, visit the OSHA website.
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