News Release USDL: 95-279
Friday, July 21, 1995
CONTACT: Edwin Bowers, (202) 219-8615

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released the latest edition of its booklet on how to prepare for workplace emergencies. The booklet gives an overview of the basic steps businesses can take to handle emergencies in the workplace. Such emergencies include accidental releases of toxic gases, chemical spills, fires, explosions, and bodily harm and trauma caused by workplace violence.

"How to Prepare for Workplace Emergencies" (OSHA 3088) is designed to assist small businesses that do not employ safety and health professionals on a full time basis, but any size company should find it useful. The guidelines include training plans, communications, setting up a chain of command, creating or having access to emergency response teams, having a means of accounting for personnel after an emergency, medical assistance, security, and personal protection.

The booklet also includes new sections on available OSHA services such as free onsite consultation, training and education, and information.

A single free copy of the booklet may be obtained by sending a self-addressed label to the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA/OSHA Publications, P.O. Box 37535 Washington, DC 20013-7535. Telephone (202) 219-4667, Fax (202) 219-9266.

Information on this news release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 219-8151.