Emergency Response Plans for Ontario Workplaces: Requirements & Best Practices

Your emergency response plan must be in writing, workplace-specific, and reviewed at least annually or whenever there is a significant change in the workplace — a generic template is not compliant on its own

The plan must identify potential emergencies specific to your workplace (fire, chemical release, power outage, medical emergency, workplace violence) and outline the response procedure for each

Evacuation procedures must include designated assembly points, primary and secondary exit routes, procedures for workers with disabilities or mobility limitations, and an accountability system to confirm all workers are accounted for

Every workplace must have designated emergency wardens or floor captains who are trained in their roles and know how to direct others during an evacuation — post warden lists visibly and keep them current

First aid equipment must be stocked and accessible in accordance with O. Reg. 1101 (First Aid Requirements), and at least one worker trained in first aid must be present on each shift — know who your first aiders are before an emergency

Emergency contact numbers — including 911, your local fire department's non-emergency line, poison control, your JHSC co-chairs, and senior management — must be posted visibly at key locations throughout the workplace

Conduct emergency drills at least annually for fire evacuation; document the drill, note any problems identified, and update procedures accordingly — MOL inspectors and COR™ auditors will ask for drill records

Workers must be trained on the emergency response plan as part of new worker orientation and whenever the plan is updated — keep signed training records showing who was trained and when