Disaster Recovery Planning 101: Don’t Neglect OSHA Standards and Regulations
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Disaster Recovery Planning 101: Don’t Neglect OSHA Standards and Regulations
When it comes to disaster recovery planning, many businesses focus on the technical aspects of ensuring that their systems and data are protected and able to be restored in the event of a disaster. While this is certainly an important part of the process, it’s equally important to consider the safety and health of your employees in your disaster recovery plan.
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a government agency that has developed a wide range of standards and regulations to protect workers from hazards in the workplace. These standards and regulations apply to a wide range of industries and cover a wide range of topics, including emergency preparedness and response.
Therefore, when crafting your disaster recovery plan, it’s essential to consider OSHA standards and regulations and to ensure that your plan is compliant with these requirements. This will not only protect your employees, but it can also help to protect your business from potential legal and financial repercussions.
Some key OSHA standards and regulations to consider when developing your disaster recovery plan include:
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The General Duty Clause, which requires employers to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. This includes hazards related to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
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The Emergency Action Plan standard, which requires employers to have a written plan in place for responding to emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters, and other situations that could put workers at risk. This plan should include procedures for evacuating workers, providing first aid, and calling for emergency responders, as well as procedures for accounting for all workers after the emergency has been resolved.
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The Hazard Communication standard, which requires employers to provide information to workers about the chemicals and other hazardous substances that they may be exposed to in the workplace. This includes providing safety data sheets, labels, and other information, as well as training workers on how to handle and use these substances safely.
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The Personal Protective Equipment standard, which requires employers to provide appropriate protective equipment to workers who are exposed to hazards in the workplace. This can include items such as hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, and respirators, as well as specialized equipment for specific industries or tasks.
By incorporating these and other OSHA standards and regulations into your disaster recovery plan, you can help to ensure the safety and health of your employees during and after a disaster. This not only protects your workers, but it can also help to minimize the impact of a disaster on your business and ensure that you are able to recover and continue operating.
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