Safety and Health Guides

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The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) requires employers to comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards. In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Emergency Preparedness Guides do not and cannot enlarge or diminish an employer's obligations under the OSH Act. Emergency Preparedness Guides are based on presently available information, as well as current occupational safety and health provisions and standards. The procedures and practices discussed in Emergency Preparedness Guides may need to be modified when additional, relevant information becomes available or when OSH Act standards are promulgated or modified.

The following guides provide an overview of worker hazards related to various emergencies. They were designed for use as a general handout during an emergency event, or as a training supplement for emergency preparation. Professionals are advised to seek more detailed information when planning for, or responding to an emergency.

• Blister Agents
• Cold Stress
• Critical Incident Stress
• Earthquakes
• Extended/Unusual Work Shifts
• Floods
• Heat Stress
• Hurricanes and Tornados
• Nerve Agents
• Secondary Explosive Devices
• Structural Collapse
• Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs)
• Winter Storms
• Worker Protection: OSHA'S Role During Response To Catastrophic Incidents