Where should emergency phone numbers be located in a workplace?

The optimal placement of emergency phone numbers is near a phone, as this ensures immediate access in case of an emergency situation. Having emergency contact information readily available at the point of use allows employees to act quickly if an incident occurs, whether it's a medical emergency, fire, or any other urgent situation requiring immediate assistance. This proactive measure enhances workplace safety and responsiveness.

While having emergency numbers in other locations, such as a manager's office, employee handbooks, or on bulletin boards, can be beneficial for reference, these options may not provide the same level of immediacy and accessibility during a crisis. For example, in a panic situation, retrieving information from an employee handbook or locating a manager might waste precious seconds. By placing emergency numbers directly alongside the phones that employees would use in an emergency, employers help prepare their workforce to respond promptly and effectively.