Emergencies don’t wait for the “right time” to happen—and on a construction site, they can quickly go from bad to worse if your crew doesn’t know what to do.
That’s why every Michigan builder should know about Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)—what they are, whether your job site needs one, and how to make sure your team is ready if disaster strikes.
What Is an Emergency Action Plan?
An Emergency Action Plan is a set of written procedures that tells workers exactly how to respond during a workplace emergency—whether that’s a fire, explosion, chemical spill, or natural disaster.
A good EAP doesn’t just protect your workers. It can help save your business, reduce injuries, and prevent chaos during a crisis.
MIOSHA and OSHA both require written EAPs for certain industries, including construction (29 CFR 1926.35). Even if your site isn’t required to have one, it’s strongly recommended.
Emergencies That Could Happen on Your Site
You might think emergencies only happen in factories or chemical plants—but construction sites are full of potential hazards too. Think about:
- Fires or explosions
- Hazardous material spills
- Severe weather (like tornadoes or floods)
- Structural collapses
- Power outages or confined space incidents
- Medical emergencies
Planning ahead can mean the difference between a safe evacuation and a tragic outcome.
What Should Be in an Emergency Action Plan?
If your site needs an EAP, here are some of the must-have elements:
- How to report emergencies (fire, medical, chemical, etc.)
- Escape routes and floor plans
- Assembly areas for accountability after evacuation
- Emergency contacts inside and outside the company
- Responsibilities for shutdown operations, if needed
- Rescue and medical duties, if applicable
- Alarms and communication systems (and how they alert workers with disabilities)
Bonus tip: Walk your crew through the plan. It’s not enough to have an EAP—your workers need to understand it.
Who's In Charge When Things Go Wrong?
A successful EAP assigns key roles:
- Emergency Coordinator: Oversees the emergency, calls for evacuations, contacts first responders, and makes decisions.
- Evacuation Wardens: Help guide people to safety and ensure no one is left behind.
Training is key here. Everyone should know their role, what the alarms mean, and where to go.
When Should You Review or Train on the EAP?
Don’t wait for an emergency to test your plan. Schedule regular training—at least once a year and whenever:
- You hire new employees
- Site layouts change
- New equipment or hazards are introduced
- The EAP itself is updated
Holding practice drills (with local fire or EMS crews when possible) is one of the best ways to make sure your team is prepared.
Not Sure If You Need an EAP?
You might be required by law to have a written EAP if your site involves:
- Fire extinguishing systems
- Hazardous chemicals
- Confined spaces
- Certain toxic substances (like Ethylene Oxide or 1,3-Butadiene)
If you're unsure, OSHA provides an online Expert System tool to help determine your requirements—or contact MIOSHA directly.
Builders, Be Proactive—Not Reactive
Whether you're running a large commercial job site or a small residential build, having a clear emergency plan is a must. It’s more than a checklist—it’s your responsibility to protect your team, your clients, and your business.
Don’t wait until disaster strikes. Review your EAP today—or create one if you haven’t already.
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