Why Emergency Preparedness Matters

Emergencies can happen anytime—whether it’s a natural or man-made disaster. Having a plan in place keeps your staff and patients safe. For dental practices with 11 or more employees, OSHA requires written emergency action plans. Smaller practices with 10 or fewer employees can communicate plans verbally, but they still need to cover the same essentials. These plans make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do in a crisis.

Emergency Action Plan Basics

Emergency Action Plans must contain:

• An alarm system to alert people of an emergency
• Evacuation maps, procedures, and assignments
• Procedures for employees to follow before evacuation
• A process to check that all employees are accounted for after evacuation
• Responsibilities for employees assigned to rescue or medical tasks
• Contact information for those who can provide additional details about procedures

You may find it helpful to include:

• A description of the alarm’s sound, especially if there are different alarm systems
• An alternative communication center to use in an event of a fire
• A secure on- and off-site location to store records

Creating the plan is only the first step. Regularly reviewing and updating it keeps your team prepared. Schedule annual reviews to incorporate any updates to OSHA standards or changes to your office layout or operations. Consider running practice drills for common scenarios, like fire evacuations or severe weather responses, to ensure everyone knows their role and can act quickly in an emergency.

Keep a printed copy in a central location and a digital version stored securely online so the plan is accessible even if the office is unavailable. Make sure new hires receive EAP training during onboarding and update your team whenever you make changes to the plan.

Some practices designate an emergency response leader, who is responsible for overseeing drills, checking emergency supplies, and keeping the plan up to date. This role helps make sure that nothing slips through the cracks and that everyone feels confident about their safety protocols.

Some states, larger organizations, or specialized offices might have extra requirements, so it is a good idea to double-check what applies to your office. If you’re unsure, contact an OSHA expert at Smart Training to understand these regulations and stay compliant.

Build Your EAP with Smart Training Today

If you’re ready to create or update an Emergency Action Plan tailored to your practice’s needs, contact the experts at Smart Training. Our Dental Compliance Essentials program provides these programs and others, including comprehensive EAPs, to help your office stay safe and OSHA-compliant. Let us help you build a program that works for your team and patients.