Construction accidents can be dangerous and even fatal, and many companies are proactive in implementing safety procedures. However, even with such safety procedures in place, accidents can still occur, especially in work environments as dangerous as construction sites. Accordingly, it is important that companies develop emergency procedures to follow if an accident has occurred. Oftentimes, construction companies in the Washington DC Metro area will obtain a Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia construction accident lawyer to assist them in developing such procedures. The following information, provided by a law firm experienced in handling construction accident claims, is intended to assist you in understanding construction accident procedures and developing your own emergency response plan.
What are Emergency Procedures?
Emergency procedures are plans for handling emergencies that may occur on the construction site, including, but not limited to, injuries resulting from falls, fires, explosions and releases of hazardous materials. OSHA requires such an emergency plan. The minimum requirements under OSHA include staffing a work crew trained in CPR and First Aid and preparing to respond to medical crises within three to four minutes of an emergency. Despite these minimum requirements, it is in an employer’s best interest to implement an extended emergency response plan to protect employees and to mitigate damages that may result from a work-related accident.
Developing Emergency Procedures
To develop the proper construction site emergency procedures, do the following:
- Identify all possible hazards
- List the potential consequences of each hazard
- Identify the required actions to counter each hazard, including escape routes, rescue plans, fire fighting and evacuation plans
- Determine and obtain the resources necessary to carry out the planned action
- Develop detailed procedures that reflect these potential hazards and corresponding response plans
- Train employees in these procedures by giving them manuals, conducting training sessions and implementing a system of regular response drills
If You Need Further Assistance in Developing an Emergency Response Plan
If you are in need of a Virginia, Maryland or Washington DC construction accident attorney, the attorneys at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot, L.L.P., are available to explain how to develop the proper emergency procedures and to assist you in implementing these procedures so as to avoid future construction site accidents.
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