Emergency Preparedness and Response Handbook

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OH&S PREVENTION
Guide
Emergency Preparedness
and Response
PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE:

The Workplace Health, Safety and
Compensation Commission is developing
resource materials to help employers and
workers carry out their responsibilities
for health and safety in the workplace.
This specific booklet, Emergency
Preparedness and Response, is designed
to provide an understanding of eective
emergency management through the
development of an Emergency Response
Plan (ERP). It includes the role of
workplace parties in the development
and implementation of a six step process
in eectively preparing for and responding
to emergencies.
For more information on the development and implementation of an OH&S program,

contact Prevention Services at: (709) 778-1552 or toll free 1-800-563-9000
Emergency Preparedness and Response
INFORMATION SOURCES
Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission
Prevention Services
Phone: (709) 778-1552
Toll free 1 800 563-9000;
Department of Government Services
Occupational Health and Safety Branch
Phone: (709) 729-2706
Or toll free 1-800-563-5471
Human Resources Skills Development Canada
Labour Program, Newfoundland Division
Phone: (709) 772-5022 (call collect outside St. Johns)
DISClAIMER
The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (the Commission) provides information and health and safety
advisory services for most aspects of occupational health and safety programming.
The information presented is subject to a disclaimer. It is intended to provide examples of general use and may not apply to every
circumstance. While all reasonable eorts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, the Commission
does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy thereof. The Commission does not warrant or assume any legal liability or
responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information presented nor for any actions taken in reliance
thereon. The Commission shall not be liable for any damage or loss arising out of the use of the information or the application
of the concepts contained therein. All those using the information do so at their own risk and shall be deemed to indemnify the
Commission from any loss or damage arising from the use of the information.
The information presented is subject to jurisdictional variation and is always subject to change. Individuals or organizations
responsible for working with the information presented are responsible for ensuring that all applicable standards and regulations
are fullled. The information presented cannot and should not be considered a denitive guide to government regulations nor does
it relieve individuals or organizations using the information from their responsibilities under any or all applicable legislation.
www.whscc.nl.ca
December 2010
lEGISlATIvE REqUIREMENTS
The majority of employers in Newfoundland and Labrador must follow provincial legislation for occupational health and safety:
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
The legislation is a minimum guide for developing occupational health and safety (OH&S) policies and procedures in workplaces.
In addition to the legislation, best practices should be incorporated into all workplaces to increase the eectiveness of the OH&S
program.
For ocial copies of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, please contact:
OFFICE OF THE qUEEN'S PRINTER

P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NL
A1B 4J6
Telephone: (709) 729-3649
email: queensprinter@gov.nl.ca
Unocial copies are available online at: http://www.gs.gov.nl.ca/ohs/legislation.stm
Some employers fall under federal jurisdiction and must follow the Canada Labour Code-Part II (Code). The Code applies to the
following inter-provincial and international industries:
railways
highway transport
telephone and telegraph systems
pipelines
canals
ferries, tunnels and bridges
shipping and shipping services
radio and television broadcasting and cable systems
airports
banks
grain elevators licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission, and certain feed mills and feed warehouses, our mills,
and grain seed cleaning plants
the federal public service and persons employed by the public service and about 40 Crown corporations and agencies
employment in the operation of ships, trains and aircraft
the exploration and development of petroleum on lands subject to federal jurisdiction
Note: Part II of the Canada Labour Code does not apply to certain undertakings regulated by the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.
For an ocial copy of the Canada Labour Code please contact:
Canadian Government Publishing, Communication Canada
Ottawa, ON K1A 0S9
Telephone: (613) 941-5995 or 1-800-635-7943
FAX: (613) 654-5779 or 1-800-565-7757
Internet: http://publications.gc.ca
Unocial copies are available online at: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/l-2/17632.html
TAblE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Emergency Preparedness and Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Denitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Emergency management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Emergency preparedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Emergency response plan (ERP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Workplace Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Benets of Emergency Preparedness and Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Emergency Preparedness and Response Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
What training is required? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Roles and Responsibilities in Emergency Preparedness and Response . . . . . . 5
Employers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Emergency Preparedness Planning Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Emergency Response Teams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
OH&S Committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Workers, Managers and Supervisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Steps in Developing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Program . . . 9
Step 1 Establishing the Emergency Preparedness Planning Team. . . . . . . . . 9
Establishing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Step 2 Assess the Risks and Company Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Step 3 Develop the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Establishing the Emergency Response Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Activating Internal/External Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Evacuation Procedures/Floor Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Disability Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Step 4 Implement the Emergency Response Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Step 5 Evaluate the Emergency Response Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Step 6 Continuously Improve the Emergency Response Plan . . . . . . . . . . . 15
linking Emergency Preparedness and Response to the OH&S Program . . . . 15
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Appendix A Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Appendix b Excerpts from the Occupational Health and Safety First Aid Regulations
under the Occupational Health and Safety Act Newfoundland and Labrador . . . . . . . . . . . v
Appendix C Sample Emergency Management Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Introduction
As part of the internal responsibility system, all workplace parties employers and workers, including managers
and supervisors, and occupational health and safety (OH&S) committees, have a shared responsibility for the OH&S
program. This means everyone works co-operatively, shows ownership for the program and is committed to
preventing injury, illness and property damage in the workplace.
Under provincial legislation, where 10 or more workers are employed in a workplace, the employer is required to
establish and maintain an OH&S program in consultation with the OH&S committee. In workplaces where less than
10 workers are employed, the employer is required to ensure a worker health and safety (WH&S) representative is
in place to monitor the health, safety and welfare of workers. And, in workplaces with less than six workers employed,
and where it is impractical to assign a WH&S representative, the employer may designate a workplace health and
safety designate to monitor the health, safety and welfare of workers.
For federally regulated workplaces, employers are responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring
a prescribed program for the prevention of hazards in the workplace in consultation with the policy health and safety
committee, and/or the workplace health and safety committee, or the health and safety representative. The employer
is required to establish a policy health and safety committee, where 300 or more workers are directly employed; a
workplace health and safety committee is required in workplaces where 20 or more workers are directly employed;
and a health and safety representative is required in workplaces with less than 20 workers directly employed.
For the purpose of this booklet, the duties and responsibilities of the OH&S committee will also include those of
worker health and safety representatives and workplace health and safety designates in provincially regulated
workplaces and health and safety representatives in federally regulated workplaces.
This booklet is designed to assist those responsible in developing an eective emergency preparedness and response
program. The emergency preparedness and response program includes a system that supports emergency
management and provides workplaces with procedures for mitigating human and property loss in the event of
an emergency. Emergency management involves specic prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities
in an organization. This booklet provides important information about emergency management activities that
includes emergency preparedness and the development of an emergency response plan (ERP); the dierent roles
of workplace parties in protecting human life and minimizing property loss, the six steps in developing an ERP and
linking emergency preparedness and response with other parts of the OH&S program.
Best practice is a standard that exceeds minimum legislative requirements and supports working in the safest
possible way. Developing and implementing eective emergency preparedness and response procedures specic
to your organization; and regularly monitoring, evaluating and revising the ERP through regular review and mock
drills all demonstrate minimum legislative requirements. However, employers can exceed these standards to
include best practice activities that will be discussed in detail throughout this booklet.
For commonly used OH&S terms, please refer to Appendix A Glossary.
More Information
For more information on building a health and safety program, there are several booklets and information
resources available in this series.
booklets:
Fact Sheets:
Guide to Writing an Occupational
Introduction to an OH&S Program
Health & Safety Policy
Leadership and Administration
Occupational Health & Safety Committees
OH&S Committees
Introduction to an Occupational Health and
Education & Training
Safety Program
Safe Work Practices and Procedures
Workplace Inspections
Hazard Recognition, Evaluation and Control
Accident/Incident Investigations
Workplace Inspections
Hazard Recognition, Evaluation and Control
Accident/Incident Investigation
Disability Management
look for these fact sheets in the near future:
Communication
Page one
look for these booklets in the near future:

Communication
Safe Work Practices and Procedures
Education and Training
EMERGENCy PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

An emergency response plan (ERP) is a mandatory part of the OH&S program. Emergency response is one of the
four activities included in emergency management and also includes: prevention, preparedness and recovery.
The ERP involves a process with procedures that outlines the internal/external resources, roles, responsibilities
and accountabilities; and training requirements needed to deal with emergency situations in a controlled manner.
In an emergency, all workers must know their specic roles and responsibilities to keep themselves and others safe.
Musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention considerations should always be included in emergency response planning.
Some examples include:
ensuring all emergency signage is understandable and easy to read
placing emergency equipment and gear within easy reach of those who are required to use it
making sure workers understand what is required of them in the event of an emergency
Incorporating emergency preparedness and response into the OH&S program strengthens the internal responsibility
system and is essential to building a positive safety culture and healthy workplace.
THE EMERGENCy MANAGEMENT SySTEM

Requirements
Specic OH&S requirements for employers who are provincially regulated can be found in the Occupational Health
and Safety Act and Regulations. Requirements for federally regulated employers can be found in the Canada
Labour Code, Part II. Contact information for obtaining provincial and federal OH&S legislation can be found at the
beginning of this booklet in Legislative Requirements.
Page two
Employers must also comply with industry-specic or hazard-specic legislation. Some of these fall under: Asbestos
Abatement Regulations; Asbestos Exposure Code Regulations; OH&S First Aid Regulations; Workplace Hazardous
Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations; Radiation Health and Safety Act and Regulations; Mines Safety
of Workers Regulations; Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act and Regulations; Fire Prevention Act,
1991; and Life Safety Code (N.F.P.A. No. 101).
Please refer to the following sections of OH&S Act, OH&S Regulations and the Canada Labour Code for the specic
requirements of employers, supervisors and workers in emergency preparedness and response.
OH&S Act
OH&S Regulations
Canada Labour Code Part II
Sections
Sections
388.
Sections
36.1
12. (1) (e) (j)
415. (d)
125. 1 (o) & (p)
15. (1) (a) (5)
443. 448.
17.5, 17.5 (2),
458. (4)
17.6 (1) (a) & (b),
22. 24.
459 (1)
17.7, 17.8, 17.10
38. - 42. (11)
468. (1) (f) (g)
18. (3)
63.
481. (2)
82.
484 (2) (a)
84.(6)
505. (1) (b)
86. (b) (c)
506 (1) (d)
100. (3) (6)
513. (1) (a) (b),
135. (d)
(3) (d), (4) (c)
251. (6)
515. (c) (v)
308.
516.
Denitions
Emergency an event, or imminent event, outside the scope of normal operations that requires prompt coordination
of resources to protect the health, safety or welfare of people, or to limit damage to property and the environment.
(Canadian Standards Association 2003: Emergency Preparedness and Response: CAN/CSA-Z731-03)
Emergency management a documented management framework intended to ensure that steps are taken to identify
potential losses and their possible impact, maintain viable response and recovery strategies, and provide for continuity
of services in an emergency. (Canadian Standards Association 2003: Emergency Preparedness and Response:
CAN/CSA-Z731-03)
Emergency preparedness activities, programs, and systems for response, recovery, and mitigation in anticipated
emergencies. (Canadian Standards Association 2003: Emergency Preparedness and Response: CAN/CSA-Z731-03)
Emergency response plan (ERP) a document developed to ensure quick access to the information necessary for
eectively responding to an emergency. (Canadian Standards Association 2003: Emergency Preparedness and
Response: CAN/CSA-Z731-03)
Emergency, emergency management, emergency preparedness, and emergency response plan (ERP) denitions are
Reproduced with the permission of Canadian Standards Association from CAN/CSA-Z731-03, Emergency Preparedness
and Response, which is copyrighted by Canadian Standards Association, 5060 Spectrum Way, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W
5N6. While use of this material has been authorized, CSA shall not be responsible for the manner in which the information
is presented, nor for any interpretations thereof.
Page three
Emergency management consists of an integrated set of policies and procedures that allow an organization to eectively
prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency incidents. Emergency preparedness and the ERP is an
essential element of the occupational health and safety program. It outlines the types of emergencies an organization
may encounter; and coverage, notication, response and recovery procedures that are followed if they occur.
The development and implementation of an eective ERP helps:
to prevent or reduce casualties, property and environmental damage
minimize nancial loss
enable the organization to resume normal business operations more quickly
Workplace Emergency
A workplace emergency is an unforeseen situation that threatens workers, customers, or the public; disrupts or shuts
down operations; or causes physical or environmental damage. Some examples of workplace emergencies include:
res
chemical spills
workplace violence
severe winter storms
oods
bomb threats
medical emergencies
unknown toxic substances
vehicular accidents
explosions
power failure
suspicious packages
equipment/machinery failure
armed robberies
pandemics (i.e. inuenza, H1N1, etc.)
It is critical for organizations to determine their risks by conducting an emergency response analysis which is similar
to a hazard assessment; however, focuses specically on risks that can contribute to emergencies. This assessment will
be further discussed in Step 2 - Assess the Risks and Company Capabilities. It involves the emergency preparedness
planning team talking to workers, management, outside agencies, and other industry leaders to nd out the type of
emergencies that could happen, the likelihood of it occurring, what can be done to prevent it, and resources needed to
manage the emergency. The completed list of workplace emergencies may or may not include the above examples.
The emergency response analysis will determine emergencies each individual organization should be prepared to
manage and respond. For example, a postal outlet may have an established procedure for suspicious packages, but not
toxic chemical spills; however, a mine may have an established procedure for toxic chemical spills, but not suspicious
packages. In addition, its important to remember that an emergency can happen alone or in combination with
another. For example, a delivery truck may lose control and hit a light pole that catches on re. This example involves
multiple emergency situations of a vehicular accident, power outage and re.
benets of Emergency Preparedness and Response

Outlined below are some of the benets associated with developing eective emergency preparedness and response
procedures that go beyond legislated requirements.
demonstrating the commitment to the health and safety of workers and the public
reducing potential loss to people, equipment, material and the environment
ensuring that all workers, including managers and supervisors, know their roles and responsibilities,
and are trained to respond
identifying both internal and external resources and capabilities
ensuring mutual aid agreements with other organizations are eective*
being eective in reducing emergency response times
helping restore business operations as soon as possible
enhancing public perception that industry and their emergency responders are eectively
managing emergencies
*Mutual aid agreements are between individuals or companies who have agreed to provide assistance and resources in the event of an emergency
Page four
What training is required?

Eective emergency management contains emergency preparedness and response procedures that outline measures that will be taken and steps to be followed if an emergency occurs. When developing procedures, the
following factors should be included:
procedures should be specic to the organization and identied hazards/risks

identify those responsible for developing, activating and communicating the emergency response plan
provide for exibility due to changing conditions during an emergency
provide adequate internal/external resources for controlling emergencies and mitigating consequences
provide the OH&S Committee with the opportunity to participate in the development, implementation
and monitoring of emergency preparedness and response procedures
ensure to include musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention considerations in emergency
response procedures
Roles and Responsibilities in Emergency Preparedness and Response

In keeping with the internal responsibility system and best practice, all workplace parties have an important role
in emergency preparedness and response. These workplace parties include employers, emergency preparedness
planning and/or emergency response teams, OH&S committees, workers, managers and supervisors. OH&S
legislation requires employers to establish and maintain an OH&S program that integrates the development and
implementation of emergency response planning. The development and implementation of an eective emergency
management program is a team eort that requires the participation and consultation of all workplace parties.
One way of ensuring best practice is to follow these roles and responsibilities of workplace parties.
Employers
Employers should:
1. Provide the resources human and nancial to develop and implement an eective emergency
management program.
2. Ensure adequate and specic workplace emergency preparedness and response procedures are developed in consultation with the emergency preparedness planning team and the OH&S committee.
3. Ensure the emergency response analysis is completed in consultation with the emergency response
planning team and OH&S committee.
4. Provide emergency and rescue equipment, including PPE.
5. Develop responsibilities and accountabilities for the emergency preparedness planning team, emergency
response team and all workers in consultation with emergency preparedness planning team and OH&S
committee.
6. Ensure all workers, managers and supervisors are provided with education and training needed to
understand their roles and responsibilities in the event of an emergency.
7. Communicate the emergency management program to all workers.
8. Post rst aid providers and location of rst aid kits; emergency numbers and oor plan with
primary/secondary routes and muster stations in the workplace.
9. Ensure oor plan is made available to emergency responders.
10. Ensure workplace inspection checklists include the inspection of rst aid kits, current list of rst aiders
and emergency contact numbers; emergency equipment and exits.
11. Review the ERP every 3 years, as required by manufacturers specications, or when new equipment
or work processes are introduced to the workplace that have the potential to cause emergencies.
12. Schedule mock drills and exercises in consultation with emergency preparedness planning team and
the OH&S committee.
Page ve
13. Ensure the emergency preparedness planning team, emergency response team, and OH&S committee
take an active role in the review and evaluation of the ERP, exercises and mock drills.
14. Ensure recommendations for corrective action are implemented, monitored, evaluated and
communicated in consultation with the OH&S committee.
15. Review results of emergency exercises and drills with all workers, emergency preparedness planning
team, emergency response team and OH&S committee.
16. Develop mutual aid agreements with external resources.
17. Ensure emergency response systems are regularly serviced and maintained as part of the preventative
maintenance program.
18. Ensure the internal accident/incident investigation procedure is developed and corrective actions
taken are adequate, in consultation with the OH&S committee.
19. Initiate employee assistance program and give direction to employees who need it.
20. Ensure disability management program is developed and implemented.
Emergency Preparedness Planning Teams

Teams should:
1. Notify employer of the required resources human and nancial to develop and implement
an eective emergency response plan.
2. Consult with the employer and OH&S Committee to ensure adequate workplace emergency
preparedness and response procedures are developed.
3. Conduct emergency response analysis to determine hazards and associated risks; and companys
internal and external capabilities, in consultation with the employer and OH&S committee.
4. Locate and list all hazardous materials identied in the emergency response analysis and provide to
emergency responders.
5. Make recommendations to employer and OH&S committee for corrective actions for hazards identied
in emergency response analysis to prevent potential emergencies.
6. Develop responsibilities and accountabilities for all workplace parties and emergency response team
in consultation with employer and OH&S committee.
7. Notify employer and OH&S committee of required specialized training for emergency response team workers.
8. Notify employer and OH&S committee of necessary emergency and rescue equipment, including PPE.
9. Ensure completed oor plans, rst aid kits and/or rooms, adequate number of rst aiders
and emergency numbers are established.
10. Develop emergency response exercises and mock drill schedules in consultation with employer
and OH&S committee.
11. Ensure the internal accident/incident investigation procedure is implemented and corrective actions
taken in consultation with the OH&S committee.
12. Review ERP every three years in consultation with the employer and OH&S committee or, as required,
by manufacturers specications when new equipment or work processes are introduced to the
workplace with the potential to cause emergencies.
13. Develop mutual aid agreements with external resources.
14. Establish external resources list.
15. Ensure worker and emergency responders phone numbers are current.
16. Ensure emergency response systems are regularly serviced and maintained in consultation with the
OH&S committee.
17. Identify all hazardous materials in the emergency response analysis.
18. Review results of emergency exercises and drills with all workers, employer, emergency response
team and OH&S committee.
Page six
Emergency Response Teams

Teams should:
1. Participate in specialized emergency response training as coordinated by the
emergency preparedness planning team and OH&S committee.
2. Activate and administrate the ERP in consultation with the employer.
3. Report the emergency to all workers and external agencies.
4. Control and take command of the situation.
5. Coordinate all emergency activities.
6. Order evacuation of all workers and visitors, and conrm completion of evacuation.
7. Request external aid from mutual agreement partners in consultation with employer.
8. Provide the list of hazardous materials to emergency responders.
10. Direct equipment shut-downs.
11. Initiate rescue operations, including the retrieval of specialized equipment and PPE
for the internal emergency response team and workers.
12. Attend to casualties.
13. Activate mutual aid agreements.
14. Issue the all-clear to workers when it is safe to return to the building.
15. Coordinate property clean-up.
16. Review results of emergency exercises and drills with all workers, employer
emergency preparedness planning team and OH&S committee.
NOTE: Depending on the size and complexities of an organization, the emergency preparedness planning team
and the emergency response team may be the same individuals and assume the roles and responsibilities
of both teams.
OH&S Committees should:

1. Participate in the development and implementation of the emergency management program
in consultation with the employer and the emergency preparedness planning team.
2. Participate in the review of the emergency management program in consultation
with the employer and the emergency preparedness planning team.
3. Participate in the scheduling of mock drills and exercises in consultation with the
employer and the emergency preparedness planning team.
4. Establish and promote emergency management educational programs in consultation with
the employer and the emergency preparedness planning team.
5. Receive complaints from workers concerning health and safety hazards that have the potential
to cause emergencies.
6. Make recommendations for corrective action to the employer and to those conducting the
drill reviews and/or investigations.
7. Monitor implementation, follow-up, and evaluation of corrective actions made as a result
of emergency exercises.
8. Regularly monitor the eectiveness of the ERP and make recommendations for improvement
when appropriate.
9. Maintain written records of emergency preparedness and response activities.
10. Review results of emergency exercises and drills with all workers, emergency preparedness planning
team, emergency response team and employer.
Workers, Managers and Supervisors should:

1. Take reasonable care in protecting the health and safety of themselves and others.
2. Managers and Supervisors must ensure that emergency management programs are easily understood
by all workers.
Page seven
3. Know primary and secondary escape routes, location of muster stations identied on oor plan
and where to access names of rst aiders, rst aid kits and emergency numbers.
4. Participate in any internal and external reviews and/or investigations.
5. Make suggestions for corrective actions to those conducting the reviews and/or investigations.
6. Immediately evacuate premises in the event of an emergency and take direction from emergency
response team.
7. Stay in muster area until the all-clear signal has been given.
8. Wear any PPE that has been provided for their protection.
Depending on the size and complexity of the workplace, external resources may be involved in the development of
emergency preparedness and response procedures including government agencies or those working in specialized
areas, such as hazardous waste management and re departments.
Note:
This is not an exhaustive list of
all hazards and risks found in
workplaces. Please consult
with your companys hazard
assessment and emergency
response analysis for training
needs that are specic to your
organization.
Page eight
Steps in Developing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Program

The emergency preparedness and response procedures should outline a step-by-step process for carrying out each
step in the plan. The overall management of an emergency should outline three key areas:
available internal and external resources
responsibilities and accountabilities of all workplace parties and external responders
training requirements and access to training
The major steps in developing an emergency preparedness and response program are:
Step 1 Establish the emergency preparedness planning team

Step 2 Assess the risks and company capabilities
Step 3 Develop the ERP
Step 4 Implement the ERP
Step 5 Evaluate the ERP
Step 6 Continuously improve the ERP
Step 1 Establishing the Emergency Preparedness Planning Team

An eective ERP requires the collaboration of individuals with many dierent skill sets and experience. When
establishing this team, there must be an individual or a group in charge of developing the ERP. The number of
people on the team depends on the size and complexities of the facility, emergency requirements and internal/
external resources. Team members should be individuals that have an interest in health and safety, want to be
part of a solution or control and have a combined variety of skills sets from all levels of the organization. In some
organizations, this team is a sub-committee of the OH&S committee in which OH&S committee members may
participate on the team to provide a link between both committees.
Team members may include:
Upper management
Middle management
Human resources
Engineering or maintenance
Health, safety and environment
Public relations
Trades persons
Security
OH&S Committee members
Based on available internal resources you may have to bring in external resources or outside agencies and workers
from dierent areas of the workplace. You may need a professional engineer and/or safety consultant based
on risks that were identied during the emergency response analysis. Involving emergency responders or associations,
as well as others in your industry will help workplaces determine external responsibilities; and capabilities and
resources of other organizations. In addition, including workers who work in dierent locations in the workplace
may bring a fresh look to the area and see things that others who are more familiar may overlook as being acceptable.
Members of the emergency preparedness planning team and/or emergency response team should be appointed by
employers in writing with clearly dened responsibilities and accountabilities, and specialized training conducted to
ensure timely and eective response to emergencies.
Page nine
Management commitment is vital for the successful development and implementation of the ERP.
This commitment is shown in the development of a separate emergency preparedness and response policy.
Establishing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Policy

This policy should be:
written in clear and simple language that demonstrates the employers ongoing commitment to protect
the health and safety of workers in the event of an emergency
signed and posted by the employer
reviewed on a regular basis
communicated to workers, contractors and visitors when on the employers premises
understood and followed by all workers
included in the new employee orientation
Step 2 Assess the Risks and Company Capabilities

Eective emergency management clearly identify factors that contribute to potential emergencies, types of
emergencies, consequences of uncontrolled emergencies and the emergency response analysis. The emergency
response analysis is an extension of the hazard assessment that is conducted as part of the hazard recognition,
evaluation and control element of the OH&S program. This analysis includes:
the objective of the emergency response analysis which is to determine the severity of a potential
emergency
the review of basic workplace information such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), chemical
inventory, number of workers, facility diagram, and operation manuals
hazard recognition to determine what hazards exist and associated emergency situations keeping
worst-case scenario in mind
risk evaluation based on severity and probability of the event
safe work practices and procedures; and safety standards to determine acceptable and
unacceptable conditions
The implementation of controls is to rst eliminate hazards, and if this cannot be done, to minimize risk as low
as possible. (Please refer to Hazard Recognition, Evaluation and Control Booklet for further information on the
hierarchy of controls.)
The assessment of company capabilities determines the following characteristics in handling workplace
emergencies:
the existing internal resources in responding to an emergency in relation to potential loss
the types of internal/external resources and level of available support, such as equipment and supplies
that are required to handle each emergency situation
it assists in the development of an up-to-date external responder contact list, emergency equipment
and machinery inventory
it identies required alternate sources of power, rescue equipment, re ghting equipment, emergency
personal protective equipment, and alternate communication sources
temporary locations of business operations are identied in this stage
the accessibility of external/internal resources and time lines for emergency response are determined
Step 3 Develop the Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

The ERP is developed by the emergency preparedness planning team in consultation with the employer and the
OH&S committee. The objective of an ERP is to clearly outline the actions and strategies of the organization in the
event of an emergency. The response procedures:
must be written in clear language and specic to workplace emergencies identied in the emergency
response analysis; for example, re, bomb threat, workplace violence, and chemical spills
should clearly indentify roles and responsibilities of the emergency response team and workers
outline specic emergency scenarios and allow for after-hour emergencies
Page ten
Prioritizing or ranking workplace emergencies is important to ensure that the emergency most likely to occur is
planned for rst, to determine appropriate emergency response procedures. After the most likely is planned for,
then employers are to develop emergency response procedures for hazards and risk according to ranking. This involves
taking the results of the emergency response analysis and prioritizing emergencies according to the ranking of
each. When determining potential emergencies, it is important to look at both the severity of the event, and the
likelihood of it happening. For example, an airplane crash can happen anywhere. However, an employer whose
workplace is in close vicinity to an airport or in the ight path is more likely to be aected by an airplane crash than
those employers who are not. Planning for an aircraft emergency would be high priority for these employers as
the severity of a plane crash is higher.
Establishing the Emergency Response Team

The establishment of an emergency response team is vital to the overall management of emergencies, and alleviating
the negative impact of emergencies.
teams must assign roles and responsibilities
must also be able to eectively handle emergency situations
must also complement internal resources with external service providers
The ERP must clearly outline the procedure for notifying the emergency response team and activating the emergency
response plan. Specialized training of all emergency response participants is critical to the overall management of
an emergency. Beginning with preventing the event, responding appropriately to the event, and ending with timely
recovery of normal business operations.
Depending on the size and complexities of your organization and existing hazards, it may help to develop job
descriptions for all members of the emergency response team, such as Emergency Manager, Site Co-ordinator,
Response Leader and Communications Ocer. The development of a detailed terms of reference will guide the
team in activities, functions and responsibilities. In this stage, authority lines are established for all team members.
Activating Internal/External Resources

A completed emergency response analysis that identies hazards and potential emergencies will assist companies
in activating appropriate internal and external resources. The activation of internal resources includes the internal,
external, backup and/or o-site alarm systems. The internal alarm system noties the emergency response team
to take action and alerts workers of an emergency with warning systems appropriate for persons with disabilities.
These include areas with high levels of noise, low levels of light, etc. The external alarm is the device used to alert
outside authorities of emergencies, such as re alarms, backup alarms and communication mechanisms which are
necessary in the event that the emergency situation disables your internal and/or external systems. O-site alarms
are required for workers who are based o-site and need to alert employers and emergency responders of any
required emergency assistance. External and internal communication alternates and back-ups, such as cell phones
or two-way radios and the locations of these devices must be determined in the plan.
The team must also determine how to report emergencies to outside agencies. Please ensure that 911 services
are available in your area before including it in the emergency response plan by consulting with local emergency
responders. Companies may use codes or numbers for outside phone calls, such as dial 9 before entering phone
numbers. If this is the case, you must include this number in your plan and post it in your workplace in an area that
is accessible and frequented by workers (e.g. next to outside phones, sta rooms, department phones, etc).
Page eleven
Evacuation Procedures/Floor Plan

Evacuation procedures must be included in a oor plan, posted in the workplace, and made available to emergency
responders when they arrive on the scene. The oor plan must include primary and secondary routes, location of
re extinguishers, pull-box stations, re hose cabinets, emergency exits, and muster areas.
Primary and Secondary Escape Routes
Primary and secondary escape routes for all areas must be determined to ensure the evacuation of all building
occupants in a timely and orderly manner. It is important to identify assistance to those individuals who require it
when leaving a building.
Emergency Exits
Emergency exits must be clearly marked with signs and evacuation routes large enough to accommodate the
numbers of evacuating people. When establishing the primary and secondary evacuation routes, ensure they
do not expose workers to additional hazards and are clear of obstructions at all times (i.e. not being used for
additional storage areas). Workplace inspections must check all emergency exits, equipment and signage to
ensure they are being properly maintained.
Emergency lighting
An emergency lighting system should be installed to keep work areas and evacuation routes well lit when lights
are unavailable in a power outage.
Muster Areas
Muster areas are planned and assigned locations in a safe area where workers will meet for directions from the
emergency response team.
All workers must be accounted for in each muster area by doing a head count and missing workers immediately
reported to the emergency operations centre. The procedure for reporting missing workers and their last-known
location to the emergency operations co-ordinator must be established.
Transportation of workers must be considered if they are required to travel to muster areas or an o-site location.
This training must be recorded and records kept by employers. Training activities may include mock drills that test
the eectiveness of the emergency response plan. The results of mock drills should also be recorded and kept by
employers to assist in improving the emergency response plan.
Responsibilities should be assigned to an individual or group of individuals of the emergency response team
to ensure all work areas have been evacuated.
Shut-Down Procedures
The emergency response analysis will identify operations, equipment and machinery that must be shut-down by
trained personnel. Equipment that must be shut-down is any equipment that plays a part in the emergency
situation, and poses additional hazards to workers and rst responders.
Shut-down procedures are developed by workers who work directly with systems and have the most knowledge in
work processes and must be communicated to all workers. They may be complex and require a series of technical
steps, or as simple as turning equipment o and locking doors.
When shutting-down equipment, ensure it does not create additional hazards and place workers in more danger.
Page twelve
First-Aid
First-aid must be administered to injured workers by only those individuals trained in rst-aid. The emergency
preparedness and response planning team must ensure there are an adequate number of persons trained in rstaid in a shift and the rst-aid kits and/or rooms are available and equipped with required supplies. Workplace
inspections must check all rst-aid kits and/or rooms to ensure they are adequately stocked. Please refer to
First-Aid Regulations in Appendix B for your companys legislative requirements.
Crisis Management
Crisis management involves notifying external agencies that participate in emergency operations, investigation,
and follow-up.
Examples of external agencies
Department of Government Services Occupational Health and Safety
Department of Environment and Conservation
federal regulatory divisions for federally regulated employers
police
re department
local hospitals
poison control centres
city/town councils
Newfoundland Power
Newfoundland Hydro
propane gas providers
nearby schools and businesses
mutual aid partners
The process for notifying families will need to be included in the ERP and crisis intervention training provided
for individuals who have been assigned the responsibility of crisis management.
Emergency Operations Centre
Depending on the extent of the emergency, it may be necessary to establish an Emergency Operations Centre with
a coordinator in charge of directing all emergency response activities. Major events may require the establishment
of this centre to assist in reducing the impact of the event. Safety and security of workers may be directed from
this centre to make sure workers are protected from dangerous areas. It is also important to secure any areas to
preserve any evidence that may be used in the investigation.
Communication to workers and the public may be coordinated through this centre and a communication protocol
developed as part of the emergency response plan. The manner in which details will be released and communicated
to the public through the media need to be determined in a media plan to ensure accuracy of facts and the event.
Accident/Incident (A/I) Investigation
The incident must be investigated internally using the accident/incident investigation procedure to determine root
cause and establish controls to prevent reoccurrence of the event. The investigation will also identify the eectiveness
of the ERP and recommend corrective actions.
The A/I investigation team should be comprised of knowledgeable people and those familiar with the work
processes and equipment that contributed to the emergency. A formal report should be written and submitted to
the employer and OH&S committee for further review and analysis. Any fatalities, serious injuries or those that
have the reasonable potential of causing serious injury to or the death of a person must be immediately reported
to the assistant deputy minister.
Page thirteen
Disability Management
WHSCC must be notied of any injuries through the injury reporting system, and the claims process of adjudication initiated.
Once claims are accepted, the employer and injured workers have specic obligations under Part VI Return to Work and
Rehabilitation, Sections 88 89.4 of the Workplace Health Safety and Compensation Act. If available, the companies
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may need to be notied and aected workers provided with assistance in accessing
services.
business Recovery Plans
Business recovery plans are necessary to ensure business returns to normal in a timely manner. Consideration should be
given to alternate sites, computer back-ups, phone and facsimile lines, and capabilities to return to normal activities as soon
as possible. Below are four important requirements for business recovery plans.
1. clear plan objectives and purpose
2. dened roles and responsibilities
3. critical resources, forms and records inventory
4. expected length of recovery time
Step 4 Implement the Emergency Response Plan

Training emergency response teams including supervisors and workers to assume their roles and responsibilities is critical
for having an eective ERP plan. All personnel must have the knowledge and skill sets required to analyze and
remedy identiable emergencies. The following is a list of required elements for training.
detailed emergency response procedures
applicable regulations and standards
evacuation procedures
reporting of emergencies
rst-aid and medical assistance procedures
WHMIS and MSDS information
re extinguishers
spill kits and clean-up procedures
communications
PPE
shut-down procedures
Emergency Operations Centre processes
preventive maintenance of tools and equipment
protocol to follow for pandemics
Emergency response procedures should be taught upon hiring and on a regular basis throughout employment. Mock drills,
table-top exercises and full-scale exercises are important tools to implement as part of the education and training element
of the OH&S program. The following ve procedures for conducting mock drills and exercises should be incorporated
into emergency preparedness planning.
1. frequency and type of exercises
2. persons responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating the eectiveness of the exercises
3. the procedure for correcting deciencies that are found during the exercises
4. the scheduling of drills and exercises
5. terms for conducting an annual full-scale exercises
Step 5 Evaluate the Emergency Response Plan

After an emergency situation is over or training exercises are completed, it is important for the emergency preparedness
planning team and the emergency response team to evaluate response time and plan eectiveness. This evaluation is done
in consultation with the employer and OH&S committee.
Page fourteen
Using the ERP as a guideline will assist companies in developing a checklist that is specic to workplace hazards
and emergency situations, and help determine eectiveness. Please refer to Appendix C for a sample emergency
management checklist. Employers may use this as a guide to follow when developing a checklist specic to their
workplace. The hazards and risks identied in the emergency response analysis and hazard assessment is a good
resource to use when developing this checklist.
Ensure to document exercise and mock drill results and submit to the employer and OH&S committee for review
and feedback.
include whether or not objectives and goals were met
identify problems
make recommendations for corrective actions
identify persons responsible for implementing corrective actions
set timelines for implementation
create an action plan
Step 6 Continuously Improve the Emergency Response Plan

It is important to implement an incident follow-up process that identies lessons learned and the implementation
of controls to prevent future incidents.
make classication of incidents into type of incident
document location and time of incident
identify process and/or equipment involved
list possible causes
engage in a regular review of action plans to determine the eectiveness of the action plan and
recommended controls
The emergency preparedness and response program should be reviewed on a regular basis and/or when new
equipment and work processes have been introduced to the workplace. The plan should be incorporated into
other workplace management systems. It is critical to assign responsibilities to all team members, employer(s),
management and workers to avoid the assignment of the emergency response plan to one person or department.
Ensure to set achievable goals and expectations and do not assume that emergencies can not happen in your
workplace. They can happen anywhere, anytime and to anyone.
linking Emergency Preparedness and Response to the OH&S Program

Activities that are incorporated into other workplace management systems will bring together elements of the
OH&S program.
leadership and administration
Leadership and administration is demonstrated by the employer when they commit to the development of
emergency management that includes emergency preparedness and an ERP while providing the resources and
people to do so.
The OH&S Committee, WH&S Representative/Designate
The OH&S Committee, WH&S Representative/Designate demonstrates their commitment to a safe and healthy
environment when they work with the emergency preparedness planning team and emergency response team,
and communicate these plans to workers.
Education and training
Education and training prepares workers to do their job safely while providing specic training to handle workplace
emergencies.
Communication to workers
The emergency preparedness and response program is communicated to workers, visitors and contractors through
orientation, education and training, newsletters, posters, alerts, etc. to increase their awareness of their responsibilities
and accountabilities.
Page fteen
Hazard recognition, evaluation and control

Hazard recognition, evaluation and control procedures are applied when potential hazards are identied
and controlled during the emergency response analysis.
Hazard assessment and emergency response analysis
The hazard assessment and emergency response analysis provides important information for safe work practices
and procedures to prevent incidents and emergencies. In addition, specic emergency response practices and
procedures are required for timely response and evacuation of properties.
Accident/incident investigation procedures
Accident/incident investigation procedures may identify a situation that requires further development of
the emergency preparedness and response program.
Workplace inspections
Workplace inspections may also identify a situation that requires further development of the
emergency preparedness and response program.
CONClUSION
Emergency management is an essential element of an occupational health and safety management system that
includes the dierent roles and responsibilities of workplace parties and the six steps in developing an emergency
management program. It allows organizations to eectively identify potential emergencies, prepare for, respond
to and recover from emergency incidents as quickly as possible. The implementation of the emergency response
plan helps to prevent or reduce casualties, property and environmental damage and minimizes nancial loss.
Best practice is a standard that exceeds minimum legislative requirements and supports working in the safest
possible way. Developing and implementing eective emergency preparedness and response procedures specic
to your organization; regularly monitoring, evaluating and revising the ERP through regular review. Emergency
exercises and mock drills all demonstrate the employers commitment to health and safety. Having emergency
preparedness and response procedures that identify roles and responsibilities in the event of an emergency, and
ensuring all workplace parties understand their roles and responsibilities, strengthens the internal responsibility
system. And this goes a long way to building a positive health and safety culture in a workplace.
References
1) Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Emergency Response Planning Guide (Revised),
2004, ISBN 0-660-18910-0, www.ccohs.ca
2) Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Emergency Planning, http://www.ccohs.ca/
oshanswers/hsprograms/planning.html
3) Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Emergency Preparedness and Response: CAN/CSA-Z731-03, 2003, ISBN
1-55397-221-X, www.csa.ca
3) Worksafe BC, How to Prepare an Emergency Response Plan for your Small Business, www.worksafebc.com
5) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Employee Fire and Life Safety: Developing
a Preparedness Plan and Conducting Emergency Evacuation Drills, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/
business.html
6) Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry:
A Step-by-Step Approach to Emergency Planning, Response and Recovery for Companies of All Sizes,
FEMA 141/October 1993, http://www.fema.gov/pdf/business/guide/bizindst.pdf
Page sixteen
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Glossary.......................................................................................................i
Appendix b
Excerpts from the Occupational Health & Safety First Aid Regulations
under the Occupational Health & Safety Act of Newfoundland and
Labrador.
...................................................................................................................iii
Appendix C
Sample Emergency Management Checklist...............................................iv
Appendix A - Glossary
Accident an unplanned event that results in a personal injury or illness, damage or loss of property, process or
environment.
basic/root cause see root/basic cause
best practice performance standards developed by employers, workers and OH&S professionals which exceed basic
OH&S legislative requirements and which strive toward doing work in the safest possible way.
Controls measures that are implemented to eliminate or minimize hazards in the workplace. These controls are established
as either engineering (rst line of defence), administrative, or personal protective equipment (used as a last resort).
1.
Engineering control - the rst line of defence against hazards in the workplace. Their advantage is they have
built-in protection which does not require continuous intervention. Some types of engineering controls include:
Elimination (completely removes the hazard from the workplace), substitution (the hazard is controlled
by replacing it with a less hazardous one) or isolation (the hazard is physically separated from the
workers by using control rooms, building soundproof enclosures around noisy machines, installing
ventilation, building barriers and fences and other guarding of equipment).
2.
Administrative - encourage safe work practices and should be considered if engineering controls are not possible
and may be used in combination with the engineering controls. Some types of administrative controls include
education and training of workers to ensure they are aware of the safe work practices and procedures that have
been established, and the development of policies and procedures to control workers exposure to a hazard.
This may involve job rotation, work assignments and limiting duration in hazardous areas or limiting time
performing a hazardous task.
3.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) - equipment used by workers to help protect them from their environment.
The equipment is used as a barrier between the worker and the hazard. The hazard itself has not been modied.
Therefore, in the event that the PPE fails, the hazard will be presented in its full force. For this reason, PPE is
used as a last resort in the selection of hazard controls and should be used in combination with the other control
methods engineering and administrative controls.
Direct (immediate) cause those unsafe objects, conditions or behaviours which occur immediately before an accident/
incident; for example, inadequate guards and barriers, defective tools, and improper lifting. These are not the root cause.
Due Diligence occurs when actions normally considered reasonable in a particular circumstance are taken. In cases
where a serious workplace injury occurs and legal action is taken against, a due diligence defence can be mounted if the
person charged did everything a reasonable person would do in the same situation to prevent the injury.
Employer a person who employers one or more workers (section 2 (f), OH&S Act)
Ergonomics a science that seeks to adapt work or working conditions to suit the worker. The aim is the evaluation
and design of facilities, environments, jobs, training methods and equipment to match the capabilities and limitations of
workers and reduce the potential for fatigue, error or unsafe acts.
Formal workplace inspections - regularly scheduled examinations carried out as a means of preventing injury, illness and
property damage and of ensuring a safe and healthy workplace. They are formally documented with the use of a checklist
and a report that includes recommendations for corrective actions.
Hazard dangerous object, event, behaviour or condition which has the potential to cause injury, illness or
property damage.
Hazard Assessment - A hazard assessment is a systematic approach that aims to identify hazards and potential
hazards, assess the level of risk and recommend reasonable and eective ways to control those identied hazards.
Hazard Recognition, Evaluation and Control An established process in the OH&S program that ensures all hazards
and potential hazards in the workplace are recognized and identied, evaluated for the amount of risk associated
with them and nally, controlled so that the risk posed to workers is decreased as much as possible.
Informal workplace inspections daily routines used as a means of preventing injury, illness and property damage
and of ensuring a safe and healthy workplace; for example, a supervisors walk-through or a workers routine
equipment check. Informal inspections are usually not scheduled and do not require a checklist.
Incident (near miss; potential accident) an undesired event resulting in potential injury, illness or damage to
property, process or environment.
Internal responsibility system (IRS) A philosophy guiding OH&S legislation in all Canadian jurisdictions. It is a system
where all workplace parties employers, workers including supervisors and managers, and OH&S committees share
in the responsibility for workplace health and safety to the degree of each partys authority and ability to do so.
Job safety analysis (JSA) a formal procedure developed by employers that examines job tasks and methods to nd
the safest way possible for workers to perform their jobs.
Occupation employment, business, calling or pursuit but does not include an endeavour that is not included in one
of the classes of occupations in the current National Occupational Classication List developed by the Department
of Human Resources and Social Development Canada in collaboration with Statistics Canada.
Ocer - ocer" means an occupational health and safety ocer appointed under this Act and includes a medical
practitioner providing services under section 20 while he or she is providing those services.
OH&S committee a committee required to be established by the employer in workplaces with 10 or more workers.
The OH&S committee must consist of representatives of the employer and the worker at the workplace. Section 37,
38, 38.1, 39, 40 and 45 of the OH&S Act describe the composition and duties of the committee, and the training
and meeting requirements. Further requirements for OH&S committees can be found in section 21 of the OH&S
Regulations.
Right to refuse to work Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 45
(1) A worker may refuse to do work that the worker has reasonable grounds to believe is dangerous to his or her
health or safety, or the health and safety of another person at the workplace
(a)
until remedial action has been taken by the employer to the worker's satisfaction;
(b)
until the committee or worker health and safety representative has investigated the matter and
advised the worker to return to work; or
(c)
until an ocer has investigated the matter and has advised the worker to return to work.
(2)
Where a worker refuses to do work under subsection (1) his or her employer may reassign the
worker to other work that is reasonably equivalent to the work he or she normally performs and the worker shall
accept the reassignment until he or she is able to return to work under subsection (1).
ii
(3)
Where a worker is reassigned to other work under subsection (2) the employer shall pay the worker
the same wages or salary and grant him or her the same benets the worker would have received had the worker
continued in his or her normal work.
(4)
Where a worker has reasonably refused to work under subsection (1) and has not been reassigned
to other work under subsection (2) the employer shall pay the worker the same wages or salary and grant the worker
the same benets the worker would have received had the worker continued to work, until he or she is able to return
to work under subsection (1).
(5)
A reassignment of work under subsection (2) is not discriminatory action under section 49.
Risk chance of loss based on:
the probability of an injury, illness, damage or loss of property, process or environment; and
the possible severity of the injury, illness, damage or loss of property, process or environment.
Root/basic cause the real cause of an accident/incident and the reason why it occurred; for example, inadequate
design, lack of orientation, fatigue due to task load or duration, etc. The root cause is usually not immediately
evident and requires investigation.
Safe work practice - a guideline established to help workers perform a task which may not require a step-by-step
procedure. They are developed to help workers do their job with minimum risk to themselves, other workers, the
public, tools and equipment, materials, and the environment. An example may be the use of a wet oor sign in
an area where spill has occurred until it has been cleaned and the oor is dry.
Safe work procedure - a step-by-step process for performing a task safely from beginning to end that follows
a chronological process. The purpose of them is to reduce risk to workers by minimizing potential exposure of
hazards. An example may be the transfer of a patient from a bed to a chair, the operation of an aerial lift, lock
out/tag out, or conned space entry.
Stop work order - outlines the procedures regarding an order to stop work when conditions at a workplace pose
an immediate risk to the health and safety of workers or other persons.
Serious accident an accident resulting in death, permanent or temporary disability, excessive property damage,
or accidental release of pollutants with signicant eects. More specically, serious accidents are those accidents
meriting in-depth investigation and are dened in the OH&S Act, section 54(3).
Serious injury a fracture of the skull, spine, pelvis, femur, humerus, bula, tibia, radius or ulna; an amputation
of a major part of a hand or foot; the loss of sight of a eye; a serious internal hemorrhage; a burn that requires
medical attention; an injury caused directly or indirectly by explosives; an asphyxiation or poisoning by gas resulting
in a partial or total loss of physical control; or any other injury likely to endanger life or cause permanent injury.
A serious injury does not include injures to a worker of a nature that may be treated through rst aid or medical
treatment and the worker is able to return to his or her worker either immediately after the treatment or at his
or her next scheduled shift [OH&S Act, section 54(3)].
Supervisor means a person authorized or designated by an employer to exercise direction and control over
workers of the employer (section 2 (k.1), OH&S Act) employer (section 2 (f), OH&S Act).
Unsafe act departure from an accepted, normal or correct procedure or practice which has actually produced
injury or property damage or which has the potential for producing such loss.
iii
Unsafe condition departure from a standardized, accepted or normal physical state to create circumstances which
increase the likelihood of an accident.
Worker a person engaged in an occupation (section 2 (m), OH&S Act).
Worker health and safety representative - Where less than 10 workers are employed at a workplace, the employer
shall ensure that a worker not connected with the management of the workplace is designated as the worker health
and safety representative to monitor the health, safety and welfare of workers employed at the workplace.
Workplace health and safety designate where less than 6 persons are engaged at a workplace and the designation
of a worker health and safety representative is impracticable, the employer may designate a workplace health and
safety designate to monitor the health, safety and welfare of workers employed at the workplace. That person may
be either a worker connected with the management of the workplace; or the employer, if the designation of a worker
connected with the management of the workplace is not practicable.
Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission an employer-funded no-fault insurance system that
encourages and promotes injury prevention and health and safety programs in all workplaces and provides injured
workers, their dependents and employers a no fault injury insurance program that fosters return-to-work and ecient
disability management..
Workplace - a place where a worker or self-employed person is engaged in an occupation and includes a vehicle
or mobile equipment used by a worker in an occupation (section 2 (n), OH&S Act).
Workplace parties Those who perform work or are responsible for the performance of work in a workplace.
They include employers, workers including managers and supervisors, and the OH&S committee.
iv
Appendix b - Excerpts from the Occupational Health and Safety First Aid Regulations under
the Occupational Health and Safety Act Newfoundland and labrador
First aid certicates
3.1
(1) The commission shall establish the education, practical training and other criteria required
for a person to be issued a certicate of
(a) advanced rst aid;
(b) emergency rst aid; and
(c) standard rst aid.
(2) Where a course or program is oered by a person or organization that provides the education,
practical training and other criteria that the commission considers to be equivalent to that
required under subsection (1), the commission may designate that course or program as
oered by that person or organization as acceptable for the purpose of that subsection.
(3) In this section "commission" means the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation
Commission continued under section 3 of the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act.
45/06 s2
Duties of employer
4.
(1) An employer shall provide and maintain the rst aid supplies and services required by these
regulations and shall ensure so far as is reasonably practicable their application towards prompt
and eective rst aid.
(2) An employer shall post in a conspicuous position at a workplace a written notice which
outlines a policy and procedure for the reporting of injuries.
(3) Where an employer requires a worker to work alone the employer shall if it is reasonable
to do so or if required to do so by an ocer ensure that the worker holds a valid emergency
rst aid certicate.
(4) Where more than one but less than 15 workers are engaged on one shift an employer shall
ensure that one of the workers holds a valid emergency rst aid certicate unless an ocer
directs that a higher certicate is necessary.
(5) Where 15 or more but less than 200 workers are engaged on one shift an employer shall
ensure that there is
(a) at least one worker who holds a valid standard rst aid certicate unless an ocer
directs that a higher certicate is necessary; and
(b) in addition, a worker holding a valid emergency rst aid certicate for each group
of 25 workers or part of it in excess of 25 workers.
(6) An employer shall appoint a rst aid attendant where 200 or more workers are engaged on
one shift and in addition shall ensure that there is a worker with a valid emergency rst aid
certicate for each group of 25 workers or part of it in excess of 25 workers.
(7) A person appointed under subsection (6) shall be situated in a position so as to be readily
available in case of accident and in a state of dress and personal cleanliness consistent with the
treatment of an injured person.
12/86 s4
First-aid room required
5.
(1) An employer
(a) employing 200 or more workers on one shift; or
(b) employing a total of 200 or more workers and if ordered to do so by an ocer
shall provide and maintain as conveniently as possible to the workplace a rst aid
room under the supervision of a rst aid attendant.
(2) The assistant deputy minister or an ocer, having regard for existing circumstances, may
order an employer to provide a rst aid room and rst aid attendant where less than 200
workers are employed, or under appropriate circumstances may relieve an employer of that
obligation where 200 or more workers are employed.
(3) A rst aid room required under this section shall be kept sanitary at all times and shall contain
the equipment and supplies described in Schedule E in the quantities that may be reasonably
necessary to provide adequate rst aid.
12/86 s5
v
Total number of workers

6. For the purpose of these regulations, all workers shall be included as workers of the employer or principal
contractor in determining the total number of workers employed at a workplace.
12/86 s6
Notice to be posted
7. The employer shall ensure that there is posted in a conspicuous place in the vicinity of the rst aid kit or
the rst aid room at a workplace a notice containing
(a) the name of the particular person in charge of the rst aid kit or rst aid room;
(b) the name and qualications of each person trained to administer rst aid; and
(c) an emergency procedure and a telephone list or other instructions for reaching the nearest
police, ambulance, re station, hospital or physician.
12/86 s7
Conveyance
8. A conveyance used by or under the control of the employer for transporting workers to and from workplaces shall be equipped with a #1 rst aid kit as specied in Schedule B when the seating capacity is 6
workers or less or a #2 rst aid kit as specied in Schedule C when the seating capacity is 7 or more.
12/86 s8
13. (1) Where these regulations require a rst aid room, its minimum oor dimensions shall be 2.5 metres by
3.7 metres and the entrance shall be large enough to permit convenient passage of a stretcher case.
(2) The rst aid room shall be
(a) painted and kept clean and sanitary;
(b) provided with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation, including emergency lighting;
(c) under the supervision of a rst aid attendant;
(d) available to injured workers during all working hours;
(e) used only for the purpose of providing rst aid and related occupational health services;
and
(f) equipped with a telephone or similar means of communication between work areas at a workplace.
12/86 s13
Maintenance of rst aid equipment
14. At every workplace, where there are more than 15 workers or where required by an ocer, a stretcher,
blankets and splints shall be provided and maintained in good condition.
12/86 s14
Additions or variations
15. The assistant deputy minister or an ocer when circumstances so require may order additions to or
variations in the rst aid services, requirements and supplies set out in these regulations.
12/86 s15
#1 First aid kit
16. Every workplace shall have at least a #1 rst aid kit containing supplies as specied in Schedule B.
12/86 s16
#2 First aid kit
17. Where there are more than one but less than 15 workers at a workplace, that workplace shall have at
least a #2 rst aid kit containing supplies as specied in Schedule C.
12/86 s17
#3 First aid kit
18. Where there are 15 or more but less than 200 workers at a workplace, that workplace shall have at least
a #3 rst aid kit containing supplies as specied in Schedule D.
12/86 s18
vi
Pocket rst aid kit

19. A pocket rst aid kit containing supplies as specied in Schedule A shall be supplied by the employer
and carried by
(a) all mine forepersons employed underground;
(b) all forepersons engaged in logging and sawmill operations; and
(c) all supervisors of workers where the nature of the work or the location of the workplace
would make it reasonable to be so equipped.
12/86 s19
Existing rst aid kits
20. Existing rst aid kits and contents shall be presumed to comply with the regulations until a time that
the kits require replacement or replenishment.
12/86 s20
Repeal
21. The Occupational Health and Safety First Aid Regulations, 1986, Newfoundland Regulation 12/86, are
repealed.
Schedule A
Pocket First Aid Kit
1 - 15 ml container of sterile eyewash
1 - 50 ml bottle Dettol, merthiolate or other approved antiseptic
2 - ammonia ampoules
1 - 5 cm by 5 m roller bandage
1 - 5 cm compressed bandage
2 - 5 cm by 5 cm sterile gauze pads
12 - 2.5 cm x 7.5 cm adhesive dressings
1 - roll 1.25 cm by 2.3 m adhesive plaster
6 - safety pins
1 - metal or plastic box container
12/86 Sch A
Schedule b
#1 First Aid Kit
Equipment
1 - emergency rst aid safety oriented manual
1 - rst aid record book
12 - safety pins
1 - splinter tweezers, blunt nose
1 - pair scissors - 10 cm
DRESSINGS (Each item to be individually wrapped to maintain sterility.)
2 - sterile bandage compresses, 10 cm x 10 cm
12 - sterile adhesive dressings, 2.5 cm x 7.5 cm
12 - sterile pads, 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm
4 - triangular bandages, 95 cm x 95 cm
ANTISEPTIC
100 - ml bottle peroxide
ADHESIVE TAPE
1 roll - 1.25 cm x 2.3 m
12/86 Sch B
vii
Schedule C
#2 First Aid Kit
EQUIPMENT
1 emergency rst aid safety oriented manual
1 rst aid record book
12 safety pins
1 splinter tweezers, blunt nose
1 pair scissors, 10 cm
2 sterile bandage compresses, 10 cm x 10 cm
16 sterile pads, 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm
16 sterile adhesive dressings, 2.5 cm x 7.5 cm
ADHESIVE TAPE
1 roll - 2.5 cm x 5 m
ANTISEPTIC
100 ml bottle peroxide
12/86 Sch C
Schedule D
#3 First Aid Kit
EQUIPMENT
1 standard safety oriented rst aid manual
12 safety pins
1 pair scissors, 10 cm
6 sterile bandage compresses, 10 cm x 10 cm
32 sterile pads, 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm
32 sterile adhesive dressings, 2.5 cm x 7.5 cm
BANDAGES
2 rolls of adhesive tape, 2.5 cm x 5 m
tubular nger bandage with applicator,.01 size x 4.5 m
10 nger tip dressings
10 knuckle pad dressings
ANTISEPTIC
100 ml bottle peroxide
12/86 Sch D
viii
Schedule E
First Aid Room
FURNISHINGS
Hot and cold water
Permanent sink installations (knee or elbow controls preferred)
1 refuse pail with cover
1 treatment chair with arm rests
1 bed with pillows, sheets and blankets, the whole to be covered with a plastic sheet
1 cabinet suitable for storing dressings and instruments
EQUIPMENT
1 advanced rst aid safety oriented manual, current edition
1 pair bandage scissors, 13.9 cm
1 dressing forceps, 12.5 cm
1 dozen safety pins, assorted
2 wash basins (stainless steel or polypropylene)
1 nail brush
1 package paper towels
1 package of disposable paper cups
1 eye lamp
1 cold sterilizer or equivalent, with a supply of non-rusting germicidal solution to keep instruments sterile
1 kidney basin, polypropylene or stainless steel
1 carrying stretcher with 3 blankets
1 set wooden or air splints, assorted sizes
3 splints - x-ray transparent or equivalent
1 emergency rst aid kit (No. 3) and ashlight for use outside the rst aid room at the scene of the accident
Those other supplies, in addition to those required under these regulations, as the rst aid attendant in consultation with a physician considers necessary.
ix
Appendix C Sample Emergency Management Checklist

Element
Documented
Yes
No
Statement of policy on emergency response

Plan given appropriate authority by highest
management level
Plan is distributed to all that need to know
Plan establishes the emergency organization
The authority to declare a full evacuation is
designated
The authority to declare the emergency is "over" is
designated
All response personnel are medically fit to perform
their duties
The following functions have been clearly defined and assigned to individuals:
Plan administration
Operational control
Coordination of support
Plan maintenance
Regular risk assessment
Training
Drills and exercises
Maintenance of equipment
Specific response functions
Coordination of off site plans
Alternates for all key positions exist
Plan is based on risk assessment
Plan provides for annual drills and exercises
Plan establishes various levels of emergencies with
levels of response
Plan includes basic elements:
Evacuation procedures
Shutdown procedures
Employee roll call procedures
Rescue and medical duties
Reporting procedures
Fire prevention plan
All types of risks are considered:
Natural
Man-made
Civil disorders
All hazardous materials are listed
Assessment includes adverse impact off-site
Comprehensive accident investigation procedures
exist
Good housekeeping procedures exist
Procedures exist for inspection or testing of critical
equipment
Procedures call for the review of all new processes and equipment for compliance with:
Occupational Health and Safety Act
National Fire Code
National Electrical Code
Environmental Protection Act
Other applicable legal requirements
Fire protection equipment is inspected per fire code
Contractors are briefed about Emergency Response
Plans
Functional
Ability Proven
Yes
No
Comments
Appendix C Sample Emergency Management Checklist continued

Element
Documented
Yes
No
Functional
Ability Proven
Yes
Comments
No
The plan establishes a command post and ensures:

Command post locations provide protection from
hazards
The command post is adequately equipped
Provisions have been made for emergency power,
light, utilities, etc.
Plan provides for emergency response training and covers the following:
Emergency response training is based on specific
hazards and response duties
Testing of knowledge and skills is required
Plan specifies type and frequency of training for
each response function
Adequate training records are kept
Minimum training levels are defined
Training of first aid responders complies with
standards
A current inventory list of all equipment and supplies
exists
Maintenance and decontamination procedures are
included
Equipment is tested as specified by the
manufacturer
Equipment and supply needs are reviewed when
changes occur
Contact lists for suppliers of emergency equipment
and supplies maintained, updated and readily
available
Respiratory equipment selection, use and
maintenance comply with current standard
Mutual aid agreements are in place
Call lists and letters of agreement are up-to-date
Drills involving mutual aid have been held
Capabilities of community organizations have
been reviewed and considered
Communication procedures include:
Telephone
Two-way radios
Intercom
Runners
Emergency numbers are posted at telephones
Effective detection systems are installed, such as:
Smoke detectors
Heat detectors
Remote substance monitors
Leak detectors
Process control alarms
Detection devices undergo regular testing,
inspection, maintenance and calibration
Regular tests of the alarm systems are conducted
Evacuation details involve:
At least two evacuation routes exist from each
area
All emergency exits are properly marked
All employees are instructed in evacuation
procedures
Maps and procedures are posted
Assembly areas consider safe distances
xi
Appendix C Sample Emergency Management Checklist continued
Element
Documented
Yes
No
Functional
Ability Proven
Yes
Comments
No
All employees and visitors can be accounted for

Procedures address special needs of person(s)
with disabilities
Temporary shelter or transportation is considered
The security function is defined
Facility access is controlled during an emergency
Traffic control has been considered
Pilferage and theft have been considered
High security risk areas have been identified
There are physical security devices
The plan includes media relations before, during
and after the emergency
Public information documents exist
Those dealing with the media/public are trained
Contacts with the media are established and
maintained
Media information is reviewed annually and
updated
Procedures control the release of information to
the public during an emergency
Names and information regarding the injured are
restricted
Regular media releases are made during an
emergency
Other:
Emergency shutdown procedures exist
Responsibility for shutdown is assigned
Procedures and checklists have been developed
Diagrams and maps indicating critical components
are available
All critical components are clearly identified
Persons with special technological knowledge are
available to emergency personnel
An alternative location for continuing operations
management is identified
Resource list has been developed for sources of
equipment, supplies, services or contractors
Agreements have been made with other facilities to
continue production of products
Procedures are adequate to document all
compensable losses
Procedures provide for preserving the accident
scene for investigations
A safety plan is required prior to re-entry into
affected areas
Reproduced with permission from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
135 Hunter Street. East, Hamilton Ontario, L8N 1M5
1-800-263-8466 (toll-free in Canada)
www.ccohs.ca
xii
Contact information
Workplace Health, Safety
and Compensation Commission
St. Johns
146-148 Forest Road
P.O. Box 9000
St. Johns, NL A1A 3B8
Prevention Services Inquiries (709) 778-1552
Prevention Services Fax (709) 778-1564
Toll Free 1-800-563-9000
Grand Falls-Windsor
26 High Street
P.O. Box 850
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2P7
Telephone: (709) 489-1600
Fax (709) 489-1616
Toll Free 1-800-563-3448
Corner brook
Suite 201B, Millbrook Mall
2 Herald Avenue
P.O. Box 474
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 6E6
Telephone: (709) 637-2700
Fax (709) 639-1018
Toll Free 1-800-563-2772

OH&S branch
(709) 729-2706
Toll Free: 1-800-563-5471
Human Resources and Social

Development Canada labour Program,
Newfoundland Division
Phone: (709) 772-5022 (call collect outside St. Johns)
Newfoundland & labrador

Employers Council
(709) 368-6532
Toll Free: 1-888-738-5900
Newfoundland and
labrador Federation of labour
(709) 754-1660
whscc.nl.ca

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EmergencyResponse_qxd_Layout 1 2011-01-19 4:05 PM Page 1

PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE:

For more information on the development and implementation of an OH&S program,

EmergencyResponse_qxd_Layout 1 2011-01-19 4:05 PM Page 3

Emergency Preparedness and Response

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OFFICE OF THE qUEEN'S PRINTER

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EmergencyResponse_qxd_Layout 1 2011-01-19 4:05 PM Page 6

look for these booklets in the near future:

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EMERGENCy PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

THE EMERGENCy MANAGEMENT SySTEM

EmergencyResponse_qxd_Layout 1 2011-01-19 4:05 PM Page 8

Canada Labour Code Part II

12. (1) (e) (j)

125. 1 (o) & (p)

15. (1) (a) (5)

17.5, 17.5 (2),

17.6 (1) (a) & (b),

17.7, 17.8, 17.10

38. - 42. (11)

468. (1) (f) (g)

484 (2) (a)

505. (1) (b)

86. (b) (c)

506 (1) (d)

100. (3) (6)

513. (1) (a) (b),

(3) (d), (4) (c)

515. (c) (v)

EmergencyResponse_qxd_Layout 1 2011-01-19 4:05 PM Page 9

benets of Emergency Preparedness and Response

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What training is required?

procedures should be specic to the organization and identied hazards/risks

Roles and Responsibilities in Emergency Preparedness and Response

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Emergency Preparedness Planning Teams

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Emergency Response Teams

OH&S Committees should:

Workers, Managers and Supervisors should:

EmergencyResponse_qxd_Layout 1 2011-01-19 4:05 PM Page 13

EmergencyResponse_qxd_Layout 1 2011-01-19 4:05 PM Page 14

Steps in Developing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Program

Step 1 Establish the emergency preparedness planning team

Step 1 Establishing the Emergency Preparedness Planning Team

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Establishing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Policy

Step 2 Assess the Risks and Company Capabilities

Step 3 Develop the Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

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Establishing the Emergency Response Team

Activating Internal/External Resources

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Evacuation Procedures/Floor Plan

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Step 4 Implement the Emergency Response Plan

Step 5 Evaluate the Emergency Response Plan

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Step 6 Continuously Improve the Emergency Response Plan

linking Emergency Preparedness and Response to the OH&S Program