Even with good prevention, there can be a fire, a leak or an accident. Being prepared saves lives.
Emergency measures
Article 20 of Ley 31/1995 requires the employer to analyse possible emergency situations and to adopt the necessary measures on first aid, firefighting and evacuation. It must designate the people who deal with this, who must be trained, sufficient in number and have suitable equipment. It also organises the relationship with outside services (fire brigade, emergency medical services).
Many employers have an emergency plan or self-protection plan that explains who does what. Ask where yours is.
What you should know about your workplace
- Where the emergency exits and evacuation routes are.
- Where the extinguishers, alarms and first aid kit are.
- Where the assembly point outside the building is.
- Who to tell and on what number.
- Who the members of the emergency team are.
Emergency doors open outwards, cannot be locked with a key and evacuation routes must be always clear.
How to evacuate
- Stay calm. Do not run or push.
- Stop what you are doing. If you can do so safely, switch off machines or equipment.
- Follow the green evacuation signs and the instructions of the emergency team.
- Do not use the lifts.
- Help anyone who needs it, without putting yourself in danger.
- Go to the assembly point and wait. Say if anyone is missing.
- Do not go back in until you are authorised.
If there is smoke, get down low: there is more breathable air near the floor. If a door is hot, do not open it.
Raising the alarm and asking for help
In an emergency call 112, the European emergency number. Say what has happened, where you are, how many people are affected and your name. Do not hang up until you are told to.
Serious and imminent risk
If you see a serious and imminent danger, tell your superior and the other people exposed. Under article 21 of Ley 31/1995, you may stop work and leave if necessary. You must not suffer any detriment for doing so, unless you acted in bad faith or with serious negligence.
Health surveillance
The employer must offer periodic monitoring of your state of health according to the risks of the job (article 22). Main rules:
- It is voluntary: your consent is required. The only exceptions, after a prior report from the workers' representatives, are where the examination is essential to assess the effects of work on health, to check whether your condition may be a danger to you or to others, or where a law requires it.
- Tests must be the least intrusive and proportionate to the risk.
- The results are confidential. They are given to you. The employer receives only the conclusions: whether you are fit for the job and whether prevention measures need improving. Without your consent it does not see your medical data.
- The data cannot be used to discriminate.
- The cost does not fall on the worker.
If an accident happens
- Look after the injured person and call 112 if necessary.
- Secure the area so that no one else is hurt.
- Tell your superior immediately. Hiding an accident can make the injury worse and make it harder to protect your rights.
- The employer must investigate the causes and correct them.
Article 23 of Ley 31/1995 requires the employer to notify the labour authority in writing of harm to health caused by work, following the procedure set by the regulations, and to keep the list of accidents resulting in sick leave.