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© Construction Safety Association of Ontario, 200 B030

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 Emergency Response Planning

OBJECTIVE
KAPAMPANGAN Construction establish Emergency Response Procedures for every
project. This document provides a plan to assist constructors in developing these
procedures.

Emergency preparedness helps to minimize the human suffering and economic

losses that can result from emergencies.

It should be understood that the size and complexity of projects, as well as their
access and location, have a bearing on the degree of planning necessary for
emergencies. It is therefore strongly recommended that the constructor ensure that
a member of staff on site assist in developing the emergency response plan.

HOW TO DEVELOP A PLAN

Planning shall begin before any work commences on the project. Although there
may be little time between the award of the contract and the start of the project, a
good emergency response plan can be generic and, with some minor changes, can
be easily adapted to specific sites and readily implemented. This is especially the
case where a constructor specializes in similar types of projects.

Development should include the following considerations:

1) hazard identification/assessment
2) emergency resources
3) communication systems
4) administration of the plan
5) emergency response procedure
6) communication of the procedure
7) debriefing and post-traumatic stress procedure.

Each of these points is explained in the following sections.

Hazard Identification/Assessment

The process of hazard identification and assessment involves a thorough review that
should include, but not be limited to, the following points:

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 transportation, materials handling, hoisting, equipment or product installation,
temporary structures, material storage, start-up, and commissioning activities
 environmental concerns
 consultation with the client regarding potential hazards when working in or
adjacent to operating facilities
 resources such as material safety data sheets (MSDSs) to determine potential
hazards from on-site materials
 proximity to traffic and public ways.

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Because construction sites are frequently fast-changing, the process of hazard
assessment must be ongoing to accommodate the dynamic environment. Once
hazards are identified, the next task is to assess the potential or risk involved in each.
For each hazard identified, ask:
 What can go wrong?
 What are the consequences?

For each potential hazard it is important to identify resources necessary for an

appropriate emergency response. For most events in construction, a simple analysis
based on the experience of the people involved on the project is likely sufficient.

Emergency Resources

It is important to identify which resources are available and have contingency plans
in place to make up for any deficiencies.

The most important resource on most projects will be a 911 system. It is essential to
verify that 911 is in effect in the area. Most Ontario communities have a 911 system
in place, but it is important to know the facilities or limitations available in that
location. Is a high-reach rescue team available? What is the response time? What
must site personnel do in the meantime?

Other on-site resources such as fire extinguishers, spills containment equipment, and
first aid kits must be maintained and clearly identified. Construction equipment may
be included among potential emergency resources. Personnel, especially on-site
medical staff or workers trained in first aid, should be included in the plan.

There may be situations where outside resources are so far away that an adequate
response is not possible. In these situations, resources may have to be obtained and
kept on site. Examples would include fire protection or ambulance/medical resources
in remote areas.

Whatever the situation may be, people, equipment, facilities, and materials are
needed for emergency response. Where they will come from must be determined in
advance. Moreover, the people supplying these resources must be made aware of
their role in the plan.

Communication Systems

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An important key to effective emergency response is a communications system that
can relay accurate information quickly. To do this, reliable communications
equipment must be used, procedures developed, and personnel trained. It is a good
idea to have a backup system in place, in case the system is rendered useless by the
emergency. For example, telephone lines may be cut.

The type and location of emergency communication systems must be posted on the
project. This will include location of telephones, a list of site personnel with cellular
phones or two-way radios, and any other equipment available. Emergency phone
numbers and the site address/location should be posted beside all site phones. On
large sites, the location of emergency phones must be clearly marked. The poster
Emergency Response (P103), available from CSAO, can be used to record this and
other information.

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A communication system must be made up of strategically placed equipment and
properly defined responsibilities. The emergency response plan posted in a
conspicuous place on the project must identify the designated equipment and the
people to operate it.

Administration of the Plan

The task of administering and organizing the plan is vital to its effectiveness. The
person who has this task will normally be the person in charge of the emergency
response operation. It is their task to ensure

 that everyone clearly understands their roles and responsibilities within the
emergency response plan (a chart may be helpful in this regard)

 that emergency resources, whether people or equipment, are kept at adequate

levels in step with the progress of the project.

It is very important to review the emergency plan on a regular basis and especially
after an emergency has occurred. Changes may be necessary where deficiencies
became apparent as the plan went into operation.

Emergency Response Procedure

An emergency can be reported from any source—a worker on site, an outside

agency, or the public. Remember that circumstances may change during the course
of an emergency. Any procedures you develop must be able to respond to the
ongoing situation.

The following list covers basic actions to take in an emergency. These steps apply to
almost any emergency and should be followed in sequence.

 Stay calm.
 Assess the situation.
 Take command.
 Provide protection.
 Aid and manage.
 Maintain contacts.
 Guide emergency services.

Stay calm – Your example can influence others and thereby aid the emergency
response.

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Assess the situation – Determine what happened and what the emergency is. Look
at the big picture. What has happened to whom and what will continue to happen if
no action is taken? Try to identify the cause that must be controlled to eliminate
immediate, ongoing, or further danger.

Take command – The most senior person on the scene should take charge and call,
or delegate someone to call, emergency services—generally 911—and explain the
situation. Assign tasks for controlling the emergency. This action also helps to
maintain order and prevent panic.

Provide protection – Eliminate further losses and safeguard the area. Control the
energy source

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causing the emergency. Protect victims, equipment, materials, environment, and
accident scene from continuing damage or further hazards. Divert traffic, suppress
fire, prevent objects from falling, shut down equipment or utilities, and take other
necessary measures. Preserve the accident scene; only disturb what is essential to
maintain life or relieve human suffering and prevent immediate or further losses.

Aid and manage – Provide first aid or help those already doing so. Manage
personnel at the scene. Organize the workforce for both a headcount and
emergency assignments. Direct all workers to a safe location or command post. This
makes it easier to identify the missing, control panic, and assign people to
emergency duties. Dispatch personnel to guide emergency services on arrival.

Maintain contact – Keep emergency services informed of situation. Contact utilities

such as gas and hydro where required. Alert management and keep them informed.
Exercise increasing control over the emergency until immediate hazards are
controlled or eliminated and causes can be identified.

Guide emergency services – Meet services on site. Lead them to emergency scene.
Explain ongoing and potential hazards and cause(s), if known.

Communication of the Procedure

To be effective, an Emergency Response Procedure must be clearly communicated to
all site personnel. The following activities should be considered:

 Review the procedure with new site subcontractors and new workers to
ensure that it covers their activities adequately.

 Review the procedure with suppliers to ensure that it covers any hazards that
the storage or delivery of their materials might create.

 Review new work areas in operating plants with owner/client to ensure that
new hazards are identified and covered in the procedure.

 Review the procedure with the Joint Health and Safety Committee or Health
and Safety Representative on a regular basis to address new hazards or
significant changes in site conditions.

 Post the procedure in a conspicuous location.

The Emergency Response Procedure for a construction project must continually

undergo review and revision to meet changing conditions.

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Debriefing and Post-Traumatic Stress Procedure
The recovery process, or what happens after the emergency response has been
completed, is a critical step in the plan.

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Many emergency tasks may be handled by people who are not accustomed to
dealing with emergencies. People may have seen their work partners and friends
badly injured and suffering great pain.

Once the emergency is over, the attitude should not be “Okay, let’s get back to
work” or “Let’s go home.” Some of the people involved may need assistance in order
to recover. In some cases professional counselling may be needed. As part of site emergency
planning, construction companies should have measures in place to deal with post-traumatic
stress. For more information, refer to the brochure Post-Traumatic Stress (F013), available from
CSAO. Local hospitals, ambulance services, and medical practitioners may also be able to help.

Debriefing is necessary to review how well the plan worked in the emergency and to correct any
deficiencies that were identified. Debriefing is critical to the success of future emergency
response planning.

SUMMARY
Slow response, lack of resources, or the absence of trained personnel will lead to chaos in an
emergency. To minimize human suffering and financial losses, all personnel must know their
responsibilities under the emergency response plan.

Remember – planning for emergencies should include the following points:

1) hazard identification/assessment
2) emergency resources
3) communication systems
4) administration of the plan
5) emergency response procedure
6) communication of the procedure
7) debriefing and post-traumatic stress procedure.

The plan should be used to set emergency procedures, implement and communicate the
procedures, and ensure that any required training has been completed. The plan should also be
evaluated regularly to ensure that it conforms to current operations and conditions.

In any Emergency Response Procedure, the following steps are basic and essential:

 Stay calm.
 Assess the situation.
 Take command.
 Provide protection.
 Aid and manage.
 Maintain contact.
 Guide emergency services.

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 Construction Safety Association of Ontario
21 Voyager Court South
Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 5M7
416-674-2726 1-800-781-2726 Fax: 416-674-8866
info@csao.org

B030