Should You Evacuate Your Workplace During Hurricane Irma?

During your preparations for the oncoming Hurricane Irma, you may be trying to decide whether to leave some employees in place at your facility, or to evacuate the entire workforce. The question may be asked, what does the law require? Like so many other questions during an emergency, the answer likely is: "good judgment."

There are no specific OSHA regulations requiring for employees to stay or evacuate during a hurricane. OSHA does, however, require that employers provide a safe workplace and working environment for employees. During a hurricane, that may mean evacuating employees from the facility in order to keep the workplace and employees safe. Employers should consider how the specific situation—here, Hurricane Irma—may impact workers sheltering in place at a facility or attempting to evacuate. Here is a link to and information from an OSHA page dealing with hurricanes.