{"id":9388,"date":"2026-05-29T11:22:37","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T18:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/safecarebc.ca\/?post_type=safetytopic&#038;p=9388"},"modified":"2026-06-04T16:58:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T23:58:55","slug":"emergency-response-planning","status":"publish","type":"safetytopic","link":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/?safetytopic=emergency-response-planning","title":{"rendered":"Emergency response planning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio has-custom-css wp-custom-css-e7f8053e\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Safety in action: Episode 2 - Preparedness matters\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LcQZhYm25Ms?start=127&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Build an emergency response plan your team can act on<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A clear emergency response plan helps protect workers, residents, clients, and visitors during a workplace emergency. It can help reduce confusion, speed response time, and guide people on what to do when every second matters.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In long-term care and home support, emergencies can take many forms. These may include wildfire, earthquake, fire, flood, power outage, medical emergency, chemical or drug exposure, biohazard cleanup, extreme weather, air pollution, communication loss, or loss of water supply.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you are a front-line worker or part of the leadership team, everyone has a role in emergency preparedness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why emergency response planning matters&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employers are responsible for planning and preparing for workplace emergencies. A strong emergency response plan helps people respond safely and in an organized way. It can help save lives, prevent or reduce injuries, and protect property and operations from further harm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also helps workers know what to expect. When people understand the plan, where to go, who to contact, and what steps to take, there is less panic and less confusion during an emergency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What workers need to know&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Workers need to know their organization's emergency response plan and be trained on how to respond safely. They should understand:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The different parts of the emergency response plan&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The types of emergencies that could happen in the workplace&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What steps to take in different emergency situations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How emergency notifications will be shared&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who is on the emergency response team and how to contact them&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where emergency equipment is located and how to use it&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where to go during an evacuation, including the muster station or assembly area&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What leaders need to plan for&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaders play a key role in ensuring emergency response planning is practical, comprehensive, and understood across the workplace. This includes,&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identifying the emergencies that could happen in your workplace&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating clear procedures for each type of emergency&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outlining roles and responsibilities&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Setting up emergency communication methods&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identifying primary and secondary evacuation routes&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Posting emergency procedures and maps where workers can access them&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reviewing first aid procedures and keeping supplies current&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making sure emergency supplies are available&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establishing procedures to support people with disabilities&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choosing an assembly area and a head-count process&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Providing orientation and refresher training&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Running drills at least once a year&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reviewing and updating the plan when gaps are found, when the workplace changes, or when regulatory requirements change&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Include workers in the plan&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Emergency response planning should not happen in isolation. Under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worksafebc.com\/en\/law-policy\/occupational-health-safety\/searchable-ohs-regulation\/ohs-regulation\/part-04-general-conditions#SectionNumber:4.13\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>OHS Regulation<\/em><\/a>, employers must involve the joint health and safety committee (JOHSC), worker representative, or other workers when developing key parts of the emergency response plan, including those related to hazardous substances.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Workers bring direct knowledge of day-to-day risks, routines, and challenges. Their input can help make the plan more practical and easier to follow in a real emergency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Education opportunity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-1 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#72b53e\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:96%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\"><strong>WHMIS Works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>eLearning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This course familiarizes you with the WHMIS 2015 system and its workplace use. Learning about WHMIS 2015 is part of the knowledge you need to protect yourself and your co-workers from hazardous products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons alignwide is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/training\/elearning\/whmis-works\/\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px\">Starting at $20<br>50% off in June 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"faq-block\" style=\"margin:2rem auto;\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is an emergency response plan?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"An emergency response plan is a workplace plan that outlines what to do before, during, and after an emergency. It helps workers and leaders respond safely and clearly.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who needs to know the emergency response plan?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Everyone in the workplace should know the plan. Workers need to understand what to do in an emergency, and leaders need to make sure the plan is in place, communicated, and reviewed regularly.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What types of emergencies should a plan cover?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The plan should reflect the risks in your workplace. Examples may include fire, earthquake, wildfire, flood, power outage, medical emergency, chemical exposure, biohazard cleanup, extreme weather, or communication loss.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why is worker involvement important when creating the plan?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Workers understand the workplace, the daily routines, and the risks. Their input can help make the plan more practical and easier to follow in a real emergency. Be sure to also consult your Joint occupational health and safety committee.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What should workers be trained on?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Workers should be trained on emergency procedures, communication methods, evacuation routes, muster stations, emergency equipment, and who to contact during an emergency.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How often should the plan be reviewed?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Review and update your emergency response plan during annual reviews, when deficiencies are identified, when workplace changes occur, and when regulatory changes are made.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Should workplaces run emergency drills?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. You should conduct emergency drills at least once a year and after any significant change to the emergency response plan for the workplace. Some examples of emergency drills include: fire, earthquake, and first-aid drills.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What support does SafeCare BC offer?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"SafeCare BC offers general occupational health and safety consultation. This can include reviewing and supporting the development of an emergency preparedness plan.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Where can I find the OHS requirements for emergency preparedness and response?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You can find them on the WorkSafeBC website in the OHS Regulation, sections 4.13 to 4.18, along with the related guidelines.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can SafeCare BC help our organization build or improve a plan?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Organizations can contact us at info@safecarebc.ca for support with creating an emergency response plan or with emergency preparedness questions.\u00a0\"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"faq-accordion\"><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9382-0\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9382-0\" class=\"faq-label\">What is an emergency response plan?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An emergency response plan is a workplace plan that outlines what to do before, during, and after an emergency. It helps workers and leaders respond safely and clearly.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9382-1\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9382-1\" class=\"faq-label\">Who needs to know the emergency response plan?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Everyone in the workplace should know the plan. Workers need to understand what to do in an emergency, and leaders need to make sure the plan is in place, communicated, and reviewed regularly.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9382-2\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9382-2\" class=\"faq-label\">What types of emergencies should a plan cover?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The plan should reflect the risks in your workplace. Examples may include fire, earthquake, wildfire, flood, power outage, medical emergency, chemical exposure, biohazard cleanup, extreme weather, or communication loss.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9382-3\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9382-3\" class=\"faq-label\">Why is worker involvement important when creating the plan?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Workers understand the workplace, the daily routines, and the risks. Their input can help make the plan more practical and easier to follow in a real emergency.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> Be sure to also consult your Joint occupational health and safety committee.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9382-4\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9382-4\" class=\"faq-label\">What should workers be trained on?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Workers should be trained on emergency procedures, communication methods, evacuation routes, muster stations, emergency equipment, and who to contact during an emergency.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9382-5\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9382-5\" class=\"faq-label\">How often should the plan be reviewed?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Review and update your emergency response plan during annual reviews, when deficiencies are identified, when workplace changes occur, and when regulatory changes are made.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9382-6\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9382-6\" class=\"faq-label\">Should workplaces run emergency drills?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes. You should conduct emergency drills at least once a year and after any significant change to the emergency response plan for the workplace. Some examples of emergency drills include: fire, earthquake, and first-aid drills.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9382-7\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9382-7\" class=\"faq-label\">What support does SafeCare BC offer?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">SafeCare BC offers general occupational health and safety consultation. This can include reviewing and supporting the development of an emergency preparedness plan.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9382-8\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9382-8\" class=\"faq-label\">Where can I find the OHS requirements for emergency preparedness and response?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can find them on the WorkSafeBC website in the OHS Regulation, sections 4.13 to 4.18, along with the related guidelines.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"faq-9382-9\" class=\"faq-input\"><label for=\"faq-9382-9\" class=\"faq-label\">Can SafeCare BC help our organization build or improve a plan?   <span class=\"faq-chevron\"><svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\"><path stroke=\"#aa0635\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4 7l6 6 6-6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-content\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes. Organizations can contact us at <\/span><a href=\"mailto:info@safecarebc.ca\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">info@safecarebc.ca<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for support with creating an emergency response plan or with emergency preparedness questions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Need support with your emergency response plan?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reach out to us at info@safecarebc.ca for support with emergency preparedness planning, including review and development support for your emergency preparedness plan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Information on regulatory requirements for emergency preparedness and response can be found in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worksafebc.com\/en\/law-policy\/occupational-health-safety\/searchable-ohs-regulation\/ohs-regulation\/part-04-general-conditions#SectionNumber:4.13\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, sections 4.13 to 4.18<\/em><\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worksafebc.com\/en\/law-policy\/occupational-health-safety\/searchable-ohs-regulation\/ohs-guidelines\/guidelines-part-04#SectionNumber:G4.13_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">related guidelines<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Emergencies can happen with little or no warning. Build or strengthen your emergency response plan to help your team respond clearly, safely, and with confidence. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":9390,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[],"audience":[118],"topic-type":[65],"topic":[134],"class_list":["post-9388","safetytopic","type-safetytopic","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","audience-audience","topic-emergency-preparedness"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/safetytopic\/9388","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/safetytopic"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/safetytopic"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9390"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9388"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9388"},{"taxonomy":"audience","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Faudience&post=9388"},{"taxonomy":"topic-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftopic-type&post=9388"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scbcdev.safecarebc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftopic&post=9388"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}