Workplace fires and explosions kill 200 and injure more than 5,000 workers each year. More than 75,000 workplace fires cost businesses more than $2.3 billion. The best way is to prepare to respond to an emergency is before it happens. Few people can think clearly and logically in a crisis, so it is important to educate employees in advance.

OSHA mandates that if a workplace has fire extinguishers available for employee use, the employer must establish an educational program to familiarize their workers with the general principles of fire extinguisher use. Under OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.157(g)(1) Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer shall also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting.

An emergency action plan covers designated actions employers and employees must take to ensure employee safety from fire and other emergencies. Compiling an emergency action plan is a good way to protect yourself, your employees, and your business during an emergency.