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West Texas AGC – Join Today!
The West Texas Chapter of Associated General Contractors is an organization of qualified construction contractors, sub-contractors and industry related companies committed to skill, integrity, and responsibility. The association provides services that include information on projects, government issues, professional development and safety services resulting in excellence from dedicated contractors leading the industry.
What Are OSHA’s Requirements for an
Emergency Action Plan?
Are you prepared if disaster strikes at your workplace? While many would prefer to say yes, the reality is many businesses that should have an OSHA emergency action plan don’t have one in place. Continue reading below to learn how to make an emergency action plan according to OSHA’s requirements and discuss why every organization should have one in place for their employees.
What Is an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?
An emergency action plan (EAP) is crucial for preparing for disasters, as inadequate response preparations can lead to thousands of injuries and deaths annually. It is a written document required by OSHA standards for facilitating and organizing employer and employee activities in the event of a workplace emergency. It aims to prevent severe injuries and structural damage to the institution.
Why Do You Need an Emergency Action Plan?
An effective emergency action plan and staff training are crucial for maintaining staff safety during disasters. A well-designed EAP can reduce injuries and property damage, while a poorly designed strategy can lead to disorderly evacuation, confusion, and injury. Many large organizations are now requiring their suppliers to have emergency plans in place to protect their businesses from potential competitor takeovers in the supply chain, as a lack of such plans could lead to business disruption.
Identifying potential hazards in your business is crucial to prevent problems from arising. This may involve managing hazardous products, managing older buildings with lower safety codes, or developing disaster preparedness techniques. Emergency response plans should cover these hazards and their potential consequences, ensuring your company is prepared for potential emergencies.
When is an Emergency Action Plan Required by OSHA?
You may have some questions when it comes to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA) Emergency Action Plans (EAP) for the workplace. The number of employees in a building determines the need for a written emergency action plan or fire prevention plan. Employers with ten or fewer employees are exempt from developing a written plan. However, it is always a good idea to be prepared, even if OSHA does not require it. OSHA still obligates employers to provide an EAP to their employees. The following minimum requirements must be communicated in an emergency response plan:
- Emergency evacuation procedures, including evacuation and escape route assignments
- Procedures to be followed by personnel who continue to operate critical operations before being evacuated
- Accounting for all employees following evacuation
- Employees performing rescue or medical duties must follow certain procedures.
- Reporting fires and other emergencies
- Every employee’s name or job title may be contacted by employees who require further information about the plan or an explanation of their responsibilities under
the plan.
EAP for Construction
Similarly, OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan guideline for Construction applies solely to construction sites that are required to have an emergency action plan by a specific OSHA guideline. These requirements include:
- Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
- Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
- Ethylene Oxide
The MDA Standard demands an emergency action plan as well, although this standard refers to the general industry emergency action plan requirement. Again, whether or not OSHA requires a plan, all companies should prepare one to safeguard the safety of their employees in the event of an emergency.
Getting Started on Your EAP
It may seem overwhelming, everything OSHA requires of an EAP, but OSHA.com has you covered. We have training covering both General Industry and Construction specific requirements. Each course will teach you a basic understanding of emergency action plans and exit requirements. In any workplace, familiarity with these plans can save lives. Check out our catalog and sign up today!
Emergency Action Plan (EAP) | Identifying Potential Hazards | Common EAP Questions | Developing Your EAP for Construction
Member partnership program providing support for employees struggling with mental health, substance use, or suicidal ideation. The program includes:
- Peer Support: Trained peer coaches use their own experiences overcoming substance use and behavioral health struggles to help people take meaningful steps in their own journey.
- Online Learning and Videos: Access to over 450 educational videos and stories that help people understand stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, and more.
- Family Support: Family and loved ones also get access to the program and their own dedicated peer coach.
Toughness is valued in the construction industry, but stigma, shame, and fear prevent employees from getting the support they need for behavioral health and substance use issues.
Workforce Solutions with West Texas AGC
Excellent Wages, Benefits & Opportunities in the Construction Industry
Is your firm seeking to recruit and hire qualified craftsman, professionals and people that are just willing to learn and work?
The West Texas AGC Careers in Construction page connects transitioning military, their spouses
AND those from other career fields to join the commercial construction industry.
West Texas AGC provides excellent benefits designed for the construction industry for a value that fits your company budget that retains, recruits and helps hire your workforce. These include:
- Workers Comp – CompAGC Dividends
- Health Insurance 20-30% Discount
- 401 (k) Plan – MEP designed to fit your company preferences
- Free posting of job openings
Visit the West Texas AGC Post Jobs page to create a job opening at your company. Job seekers can visit our Employment Resources page to view job openings, job resources and where to submit resumes.
Have questions? Call 325.676.7447
AGC Emerging Contractors Education Series
For small contractors just starting out, the school of hard knocks is a tough instructor. Let AGC Members help you overcome the challenges all small emerging businesses face with this 12-part video series focused on helping your business thrive and grow. Hear directly from contractors that have already paved the road to success.
To access the AGC Emerging Contractors Education Series
Association Plans of Texas is a Group Medical Program for AGC Member Companies
Find out how West Texas AGC members can receive and additional 10% after significant market quote discounts from the Association Plans of Texas through SANA Benefits. Quotes are indicating companies could potential save our members 20% or more over similar market plans while lowering co-pays and out of pocket costs for your valued employees!
Check out the customer testimonials and visit WTAGC’s Group Medical Program page to see how your company can begin saving money on essential employee retention benefit programs today!
New Courses Scheduled for Virtual Education | AGC EDGE
Lean Construction Education Program, 2nd edition
Project Manager Development Program
Building Information Modeling
Construction Supervisor Fundamentals
Check for Classes Scheduled through end of 2023
The AGC Southwest Chapters 401(k) Plan is one of the largest association plans in the nation with more than $500 million in assets and over 130 participating companies.
As a member of the West Texas AGC Chapter, you are eligible to join! Click the Logo to find out more.
TEXAS BUILDS
Commercial construction workers in Texas talk about career opportunities, good pay and safety!
Nothing is more important to the construction industry than the safety of its workforce. Every day thousands of dedicated construction safety professionals work hard to make sure every worker heads home to their family at the end of the day in Texas.
Click HERE to find out what workers say about safety at their job and pride in their career.
MEMBER SAVINGS PROGRAM
NPP Purchasing Partners – Savings for WTAGC Members
