Introduction

The tragic events in September of 2001 have increased feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty 
in this country. Thousands died at the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and in the airliner that crashed in Somerset, Pa., before reaching its destination. A few weeks later, the intentional contamination of mail with anthrax resulted in several deaths and serious illnesses. Psychological damage has accompanied the loss of life and physical harm.

These crises occurred in workplaces, and most of those who died or suffered injuries were workers. As a result, workers and their employers have a heightened concern about safety and security. However, workplace emergencies are not a new problem.

Typically, it is not until after emergencies occur that we realize the importance of planning. But the time to plan and prepare is before they happen. An emergency is any unplanned, unexpected event that threatens life, property or the environment. In general, there are two types of emergencies that can occur in a workplace:

This publication is intended to help AFSCME members and staff take a proactive approach to dealing with these and other potential situations. The information contained in this booklet will help AFSCME members and staff ensure that their employers are taking all necessary and reasonable measures to plan and prepare for emergencies. Emergency planning and preparedness include the following steps:

1. Establishing a health and safety committee (if none exists) to coordinate activities. 
   
   
2. Developing (or updating) and implementing emergency response plans. 
   
   
3. Training all staff on emergency procedures. 
   
   
4. Addressing workers’ needs following an emergency and resuming operations. 
   
   
5. Evaluating and modifying the plan as needed after drills and/or a real event.
   
   

The work of the health and safety committee should continue after addressing emergencies. Nearly 6,000 workers are killed and hundreds of thousands more suffer serious injuries and illnesses each year from well-known hazards on the job. Identifying and controlling workplace hazards will prevent deaths, injuries, and illnesses. The committee should lead efforts to correct dangerous working conditions as well as plan for emergencies.

Awareness and planning are also needed to deal with the emerging threat of biological and chemical weapons. Information on anthrax, smallpox and other biological agents and chemicals that could be used to cause sickness or deaths is available on the AFSCME Website. This is an evolving area that will be updated as needed. For those who do not have access to the Internet, publications mentioned in this booklet, and other information or assistance can be obtained by calling (202) 429-1228, or by writing to: AFSCME Department of Research and Collective Bargaining Services, 1625 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-5687.