Emergency Action Plans for Construction: OSHA Requirements & Free Template

Why Every Jobsite Needs an Emergency Action Plan

Construction sites are dynamic environments with constantly changing hazards: chemical exposures, structural collapses, fires, weather events, and confined space emergencies. Without a clear plan, panic replaces procedure — and people get hurt.

OSHA requires an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) under 29 CFR 1926.35 for construction and 29 CFR 1910.38 for general industry. Yet it remains one of the most overlooked compliance requirements.

> The reality: In OSHA fatality investigations, the absence of an EAP is cited as a contributing factor in over 30% of construction death cases.

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What OSHA Requires in Your EAP

Minimum Elements (29 CFR 1926.35 / 1910.38)

Your written emergency action plan must address:

| Element | What to Include |

|---|---|

| Evacuation procedures | Routes, exits, and assembly/muster points |

| Accounting for personnel | Head count procedures after evacuation |

| Alarm system | How workers are notified (air horn, radio, siren) |

| Emergency contacts | 911, site supervisor, safety officer, hospital |

| Medical/rescue duties | Who provides first aid, who calls for rescue |

| Critical operations | Who stays to shut down equipment safely |

| Chemical emergencies | SDS location, spill response, evacuation triggers |

Construction-Specific Additions

Because jobsites change, your EAP should also cover:

Severe weather — tornado, lightning (30/30 rule), extreme heat

Structural collapse — excavation cave-in, scaffold failure

Crane/heavy equipment — struck-by emergencies, tip-over response

Utility strikes — gas line, electrical, water main

Multi-employer coordination — who's in charge when 5 subs are on site

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Building Your Site-Specific EAP: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Site Assessment

Walk the jobsite and document:

1. All exits and evacuation routes (mark blocked or restricted paths)

2. **Hazard zones