Why Every Business Needs an Emergency Response Plan

Key Takeaways

• An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is essential for business continuity and safety.
• Prevents financial loss, injury, and reputation damage during emergencies.
• Required under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Covers a wide range of realistic emergency scenarios.
• Includes evacuation procedures, emergency contacts, first aid protocols, and more.
• Should be reviewed and practiced every six months.

What Is an Emergency Response Plan?

An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is a structured framework that outlines how your business will respond during emergencies. It ensures employee and visitor safety, maintains compliance with provincial laws, and minimizes operational disruptions.

In Ontario, Emergency Response Plans are legally required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, making them not only a smart choice but a necessary one for all businesses.

 Having an Emergency Response Plan in place may also benefit your business insurance. Insurers often look favorably on organizations that proactively reduce risk, and having a documented, regularly tested emergency plan can support smoother claims processes and potentially improve your policy terms.

Who Needs a Workplace Emergency Response Plan?

Every business needs an Emergency Response Plan. Whether you operate a retail shop, office, manufacturing plant, or service company, your workplace is vulnerable to emergencies. Panic and confusion during crises, such as fires, gas leaks, or workplace violence, can cause severe consequences without a well-prepared plan.

A well-designed business Emergency Response Plan offers:

• A clear chain of command
• Defined evacuation routes
• Communication strategies to reduce panic
• Business continuity protocols to resume operations faster

Emergency Scenarios Your Plan Should Cover

When building your workplace Emergency Response Plan, focus on realistic, high-risk scenarios based on your location, industry, and business type.

Common Scenarios To Include

• Fire, explosion, and smoke incidents 
• Chemical spills and leaks 
• Gas leaks in the building/property 
• Natural disasters, including floods, extreme temperatures, and tornadoes 
• Workplace violence or threats
• Emergency medical events, including heart attacks, injuries, and illnesses 
• Power outages, burst water pipes, gas disruptions, and other utility issues 
• Bomb threats or suspicious packages/letters 
• Control and machinery malfunctions 
• Environmental emergencies with public health significance, such as accidental spills or contaminations 
• Site risks and hazard-specific plans, including hazardous material spills or containment breaches 

What Should Be Included in an Emergency Response Plan?

A complete ERP should be customized to your business but always include these essentials:

• Alert and notification procedures for employees, the response team, customers/clients, and the community 
• Protocols for reporting and command 
• Emergency communication plan 
• Command center(s) locations 
• Evacuation procedures, routes, and designated assembly areas 
• Contact information for key personnel, response team, and public emergency services, including police, fire, and emergency medical services 
• First aid and medical assistance procedures 
• What should be included in emergency preparedness kits, where they are located, and when items need to be replaced 
• Plans for business continuity and recovery  
• Regulations for employee training and regular drill procedures 
• Crisis control and communication strategies for media, community, and families 

Pro Tip: Collaborate with professionals to help identify industry-specific risks and build a solid business Emergency Response Plan.

How Often Should an Emergency Response Plan Be Updated?

Your workplace Emergency Response Plan should be reviewed and tested at least every six months, especially after:

• Renovations or structural changes
• Staff turnover
• New hazards identified
• Changes in emergency contacts or vendors

Example: If a restaurant opens next door to your retail shop, your Emergency Response Plan may now need to account for kitchen fires or gas explosions.

Regular testing ensures your team knows how to respond swiftly and safely.