Every emergency action plan should consider the needs of all workers, including those who may require additional assistance during an emergency. Temporary injuries, permanent disabilities, medical conditions, pregnancy, language barriers, or other circumstances may affect how someone responds to an evacuation or emergency situation. Planning ahead helps ensure every worker can receive emergency information, evacuate safely, and be accounted for during an incident.
This toolbox talk reviews the importance of planning for workers who may need additional assistance during emergencies and emphasizes that emergency planning should be respectful, inclusive, and based on individual needs.
Why This Matters
- Emergencies can create additional challenges for workers who require assistance.
- Advance planning improves evacuation speed and accountability.
- Clear communication helps ensure emergency instructions reach every worker.
- Inclusive emergency planning strengthens overall jobsite preparedness.
- Every worker deserves equal opportunity to respond safely during an emergency.
Common Challenges
- Limited mobility during evacuations.
- Difficulty hearing alarms or emergency announcements.
- Difficulty seeing evacuation routes or emergency signage.
- Language or communication barriers affecting emergency instructions.
- Temporary injuries that restrict movement.
- Medical conditions requiring medication or specialized equipment.
- Blocked evacuation routes or inaccessible exits.
- Confusion during rapidly changing emergency situations.
Safety Checklist
Before an Emergency
- Review the site's emergency action plan and ensure it considers workers who may require additional assistance.
- Identify evacuation routes, assembly areas, and accessible exits.
- Verify emergency communication methods can reach all workers effectively.
- Discuss emergency procedures with workers who may need additional assistance while respecting their privacy.
- Assign assistance roles only when appropriate and as part of the site's emergency planning process.
- Practice emergency drills that include realistic evacuation and accountability procedures.
During an Emergency
- Remain calm and follow instructions from supervisors or emergency responders.
- Assist others only if it is safe to do so and consistent with the emergency plan.
- Use designated evacuation routes or shelter locations unless directed otherwise.
- Report anyone who may still require assistance to emergency responders immediately.
- Participate in personnel accountability checks at the designated assembly area.
- Do not re-enter the affected area until authorized by emergency personnel.
Crew Talking Points
- Do all workers know the emergency action plan and evacuation procedures?
- What communication methods are available if alarms or announcements cannot be heard or understood?
- Are evacuation routes accessible for everyone working on today's jobsite?
- Who should workers notify if they believe additional emergency planning is needed?
- How can we support coworkers during an emergency while protecting everyone's safety?
- Speak up immediately if you identify barriers that could prevent someone from responding safely during an emergency.
Stop Work If
- Emergency evacuation routes are blocked or inaccessible.
- Workers cannot safely receive or understand emergency instructions.
- Emergency procedures cannot be carried out safely because necessary accommodations or assistance are unavailable.
- An emergency creates conditions that place workers at immediate risk.
- Personnel accountability cannot be completed following an evacuation.
- You are unsure how to respond safely during the emergency.
Final Reminder
Emergency preparedness should include everyone. Plan ahead, communicate clearly, identify potential barriers before an emergency occurs, and ensure all workers know how to respond safely. An inclusive emergency action plan improves safety, accountability, and preparedness for the entire jobsite.
| Crew Member Name | Signature | Date |
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