Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace: More Than Just a Checklist

Emergencies in the workplace can take many forms, from natural disasters and power outages to medical incidents and acts of violence. No matter the scenario, one thing remains constant. Employees look to their employer for leadership and reassurance in uncertain moments.

For California employers, emergency preparedness is more than a best practice. It’s a compliance requirement. The state already requires written Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (IIPP) and emergency action plans. And with the recent addition of the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP), employers must take an even broader view of what “preparedness” really means.

Put Your Plan Into Action

Too often, emergency plans exist only as documents employees see once a year during training. True preparedness requires employers to actively integrate safety and communication into everyday operations. This means:

• Provide training so employees understand evacuation routes, communication protocols, and reporting procedures.

• Set expectations by making it clear that preparedness is not optional and that every employee has a role to play.

• Run practice drills so employees can respond with confidence rather than confusion when the unexpected happens.

• Review and update plans regularly to keep procedures current, documented, and aligned with legal requirements.

Think Beyond Natural Disasters

When most people think of workplace emergencies, they picture earthquakes, fires, or floods. But disruption doesn’t always come in dramatic forms. A sudden medical emergency, a power outage that halts operations, or even a cyber incident that locks down systems can be just as damaging if your team isn’t prepared.

No matter the situation, communication is the thread that holds preparedness together. Employees need to know who to contact, how to respond, and where to find reliable information. That requires more than a written policy; it requires training, refreshers, and open channels that employees can count on.

Your Next Step as an Employer

If your emergency preparedness plan hasn’t been reviewed recently, start there. Take a proactive approach by confirming that your IIPP, emergency action plan, and WVPP align and support each other. Ask yourself:

• Have all employees been trained recently, and can they act with confidence during different emergencies?

• Do managers know their role in responding and communicating under pressure?

• Are incidents being documented consistently across the organization?

Emergencies rarely give notice. The time you spend now to strengthen your preparedness will protect both your people and your business when it matters most.

Now is the time to take a fresh look at your workplace emergency plans. If you need support reviewing your policies, training your team, or building a program that goes beyond compliance, our team is here to help.