The new OSHA anti-retaliation rules became effective after I submitted my last article for Frame Building News. Because these provisions are so critical and have been the subject of so much controversy, I have delayed my planned article on the remaining five steps for a good safety program until the next issue of Frame Building News.
Having an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a very important part of any safety program. But, what is an EAP and why do you need one? Second question first. If you are in the construction industry (governed by the OSHA 1926 standards) you are required to have an EAP. Title 29, Section 1926.35 of the Code of Federal Regulations is the governing standard. This standard sets out the parameters of an EAP. But, while compliance with all of the OSHA standards that apply to your business is essential there is a more practical reason for EAPs. That practical reason is the safety of your employees. And in my book, safety comes first. So, if we can conclude that you are going to have an EAP for the safety of your employees, it should be one that complies with the OSHA standard.
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