Currently, in the United States as of December 2025, the ability for visitors to directly download evacuation maps and emergency procedures to their mobile phones is typically facilitated through visitor management systems (VMS) integrated with building emergency management platforms, rather than being a standalone legal requirement mandated by OSHA or state workplace safety laws. These systems operate under the broader framework of an employer’s duty to provide a safe working environment, including clear emergency procedures.
Modern VMS now include features allowing pre-registration data to incorporate a link to digital emergency plans. Upon check-in, visitors receive this link via email or SMS, providing access to interactive maps and procedures on their own devices. Data handling within these systems must comply with relevant privacy regulations, such as CCPA in California, regarding the collection and storage of visitor contact information. Building emergency management systems often integrate with these VMS, allowing for real-time updates to procedures and map information. Record-keeping of visitor access to these materials is generally maintained within the VMS audit trails. In 2026, further integration with common alerting protocols (CAP) is expected to become more widespread, enabling direct emergency notifications to registered visitor devices. Similar systems are emerging in Australia under Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, with PCBUs having obligations to ensure visitor safety, though the uptake of fully integrated digital solutions is currently less prevalent than in the US.
In practice, providing digital access to emergency information via visitor management systems functions as a key component of a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan, supporting employer compliance with safety regulations.