How many employees are required for an employer to have a written emergency action plan?

The correct answer is that an employer is required to have a written emergency action plan if they have 11 or more employees. This requirement is outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, specifically 29 CFR 1910.38. The purpose of having a written emergency action plan is to ensure that all employees understand how to respond effectively in emergency situations, such as fires, natural disasters, or other crises that could occur in the workplace.

A written plan helps in organizing and communicating the necessary procedures for evacuation, reporting emergencies, and providing first aid, ensuring employee safety. As the workplace size increases and more employees are present, the need for formalized procedures becomes more critical, which is reflected in the threshold of 11 employees. This number helps ensure that adequate planning and resources are allocated to protect a larger group of employees.