No one expects an emergency to happen on their shift, but everyone should be prepared in case one does. Emergencies happen without warning. Tornados, fires, medical emergencies, trench collapses, chemical exposures, equipment accidents, and acts of violence can all catch you off guard. When an emergency happens, it’s too late to make a plan. We need to prepare for emergencies before they occur.
Know the Emergency Action Plan. Every jobsite should have a plan. Before starting work and wherever your area changes, make sure you understand the emergency procedures for your area. You should know:
• How to report an emergency.
• The emergency alarm or the evacuation signal.
• The available exit routes from your work area.
• The location of the designated muster point and who will be responsible for taking the head count.
• The location of first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, AEDs, and other emergency equipment.
Know how to get help. If an accident, emergency, or injury happens, report it to your supervisor immediately. If you need the police, emergency medical services, or the fire department, call 911. Make sure you’ve memorized the jobsite address or location so you can tell the dispatcher and so first responders can find you quickly. Never assume someone else already called for help. Just call.
Protect yourself first. In an emergency, you need to avoid becoming a victim yourself. Don’t enter a burning building, a collapsed trench, a confined space, or any other dangerous space to help someone unless you’re trained, authorized, and properly equipped. If you can help safely, do it. But don’t let the urgency of the situation make you ignore dangers that could injure or kill you. Instead, stay clear, report the emergency, and let trained and properly equipped personnel handle the emergency.
Keep the jobsite emergency-ready. Keep jobsite exits and access roads clear. Make sure all signs are visible. Check stairways, aisles, and walkways each day and keep them clear for emergency evacuations and emergency responders. Keep tools, materials, and equipment away from fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, electrical panels, and other emergency equipment so they’re easy to reach. Report emergency equipment that’s damaged or missing.
Take drills seriously. Emergency drills help everyone practice the actions they’ll need to take if a real emergency happens. Pay attention during drills and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. Remember that emergency procedures may change as the project changes.
Keep your family safe, too. All the information we just discussed applies to your home and family, too. Take these ideas with you and prepare your home for emergencies.
SAFETY REMINDER
Work safely to prevent emergencies, but always have a plan.
Safety Meeting Outlines, Inc. Safety Meeting Outlines. Safety Meeting Outlines, Inc., www.safetymeetingoutlines.com/. Accessed 24 September 7. 2026.
