The importance of an effective workplace safety and health program cannot be overemphasized. Several Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards specifically require employers to have emergency action plans for their workplaces in certain circumstances. Emergency preparedness is a well-known concept in protecting employees’ safety and health.
The U.S. Congress passed the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) in 1986. This legislation included the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (Title III), which laid the foundation for communities to prepare for and respond to emergency incidents involving hazardous substances. Title III also requires employers to assist in planning and to provide accurate information about the hazardous substances or chemicals they control.
In 1989, OSHA issued a final rule on Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) to work hand-in-hand with SARA Title III. OSHA’s rule, 29 CFR 1910.120, establishes safety and health requirements for employers for the protection of employees and requires the development of an emergency response plan. This plan is to be integrated with local, state, and federal agency plans for local community emergency preparedness.
A second “significant” emergency planning law was enacted in 1990. The Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) gave...
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