Emergency Preparedness and Response

Emergencies can create a variety of hazards for workers in the impacted area. Preparing before an emergency incident plays a vital role in ensuring that employers and workers have the necessary equipment, know where to go, and know how to keep themselves safe when an emergency occurs. These Emergency Preparedness and Response pages provide information on how to prepare and train for emergencies and the hazards to be aware of when an emergency occurs. The pages provide information for employers and workers across industries, and for workers who will be responding to the emergency.

General Preparedness and Response

Getting Started:
OSHA Emergency Response Rulemaking
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
Psychological Resiliency
ARC Ready Rating Program
ARC Emergency App
- Apple App Store
- Google Play Store

Natural Disasters and Weather

Earthquakes
Floods
Heat
Hurricanes
Lightning Safety
Tornadoes
Wildfires
Winter Weather

Hurricane Harvey - Photo Credit: DHS/FEMA

Hurricane Response

OSHA is prepared to protect response and recover workers in areas impacted by hurricanes. These areas include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and states along the Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf Coast. OSHA staff in any affected Region will work in support of the federal response to protect response and recovery workers from a variety of safety and health hazards associated with hurricane and flood cleanup and recovery.

Hurricane Page

Floods

Floods can be serious catastrophes, and they are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Floods can be caused by a variety of factors, including a sudden accumulation of rain, rising rivers, tidal surges, ice jams and dam failures. Workers who have to respond to flooded areas face the greatest risks from floods, but all workers can help protect themselves by preparing evacuation plans and learning about the hazards commonly associated with floods.

Flood Preparedness and Response

OSHA's Wildfire Page

OSHA's Wildfire page provides information on evacuation plans, safety zones around buildings, and equipment to have on hand in case a wildfire occurs. Preparing plans in advance can help workers get to safety before a wildfire impacts an area and can also help protect personal property. It also details hazards that may be present in areas affected by wildfires. These include safety hazards, such as unstable structures; heavy equipment and slips, trips, and falls, as well as health hazards such as heat stress, hazardous materials, carbon monoxide and other respiratory hazards.

Wildfire Page

OSHA's Heat Injury Campaign

Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. There are a range of heat illnesses and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition.

Heat Injury Campaign

Oil Spills

Oil spill cleanup workers can face potential hazards from oil byproducts, dispersants, detergents and degreasers. Drowning, heat illness and falls also pose hazards, as can encounters with insects, snakes and other wild species native to the impacted areas. In these situations, OSHA goals include ensuring that workers receive appropriate training and protective equipment.

Oil Spills

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COVID-19
Hurricane Response
Spring Safety - NOAA
OSHA's Wildfire Page
OSHA's Heat Injury Campaign

Oil; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Incidents

Biological Incidents
Bomb/Explosion
Chemical Incidents
Oil Spills NEW
Radiation Emergencies

Disease Agents and Toxins

Anthrax
Arboviruses
- Zika
Avian Influenza
Botulism
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Hantavirus
Legionnaire’s Disease (Legionella)
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Pandemic Influenza
Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
- Ebola

Resources and Guides

eTools
Safety and Health Topics
FEMA EMI Independent Study Course #1190- National Response System/National Contingency Plan (NRG/NCP) NEW
Emergency Preparedness Guides
Guidance Documents
QuickCards™
Fact Sheets
Pamphlets/Brochures
Worker Safety and Health Resources for Hurricane and Flood Cleanup and Recovery

Department of Labor logo
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration