Earthquakes can strike without warning, resulting in catastrophic destruction and loss of life. As such, workplaces must be aware of the risks and plan to protect their staff in the event of an earthquake.
This guide will outline some earthquake safety tips for workplaces, highlighting what employers should do to ensure their employees are as safe as possible in the event of an earthquake.
We’ll discuss everything from evacuation plans to emergency supplies so that you can be as prepared as possible when disaster strikes.
What to Do During an Earthquake
If you are in an earthquake, hide under a sturdy desk, and grab onto it until the shaking stops.
If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Make sure you steer clear of windows or doors since anything could fall on you, such as light fixtures or bookcases.
If you are outdoors, stay in open areas away from buildings, trees, power lines, and anything else that could fall on you.
If you are driving, pull over to a clear area away from trees, power lines, and overpasses. Stop quickly but stay in your vehicle until the shaking stops.
What to do After an Earthquake Strikes
If an earthquake strikes, stay calm and follow these earthquake safety tips for workplaces. Here are some tips for what to do after an earthquake strikes:
Hide under a sturdy piece of furniture. Stay away from windows, fireplaces, and heavy objects that could fall.
If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, power lines, and other potential hazards.
Once the shaking has stopped, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Take inventory of your surroundings and look for any damage that may have occurred. Call the appropriate authorities immediately if there are any gas leaks or fires.
Be prepared for aftershocks by remaining aware of your surroundings and taking cover if necessary.
What to do Before an Earthquake Strikes
If you live or work in an area prone to earthquakes, it is important to take some precautions in advance and learn a few earthquake safety tips for workplaces. Here are some things you can do to prepare:
- Learn about your local earthquake risk. Find out if you live or work in an area at risk for earthquakes and familiarize yourself with the potential consequences.
- Identify safe areas in your workplace. In the event of an earthquake, identify safe areas in your workplace where you can take shelter. These could be under a sturdy desk or table, against an interior wall, or in a doorway.
- Create an emergency plan. Develop a plan for how you and your coworkers will communicate and evacuate in the event of an earthquake. Make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do.
- Stock up on supplies. Put together a disaster supplies kit for your workplace, including food, water, first-aid supplies, and a flashlight. Keep this kit in a central location so everyone knows where to find it.
- Prepare your workspace. Secure any loose items in your workspace that could fall and injure someone during an earthquake. This includes items like computers, bookshelves, and file cabinets.
Develop an Emergency Action Plan
The first step in developing an emergency action plan is identifying potential workplace hazards. If you work in an office building, consider the following:
- Is the building located in an earthquake-prone area?
- What are the potential hazards if the building were to collapse?
- Are there any dangerous chemicals or materials stored in the office that could pose a threat in the event of an earthquake?
Once you have identified potential hazards, you need to develop procedures for how employees should respond in the event of an earthquake. The procedures should be specific and clearly explained so everyone understands what to do. Some things to consider include the following:
- Evacuating the building: Employees should know where to go and how to get there safely. Make sure everyone knows at least two ways to evacuate the building if one route is blocked by debris.
- Shutting off utilities: If possible, have someone designated to shut off gas, water, and electricity before evacuating the premises. This will help prevent further damage and injuries.
- Providing first aid: Do you have trained first responders on staff? If not, ensure someone knows how to provide basic first aid in case of injuries.
Ensure Training and Exercises
Although earthquakes can happen without any warning, there are steps that workplaces can take to ensure that their employees are prepared. One of the most important steps is to provide training and exercises on what to do during an earthquake.
Everyone needs to know what to do when an earthquake occurs to stay safe. Exercises should be conducted regularly so everyone knows what to do and is comfortable with the procedures.
In addition to training and exercises, workplaces should also have a plan for after an earthquake. This plan should include First Aid training, checking for gas leaks, turning off utilities if necessary, and assessing damage to the building. Employees should know whom to contact in case of an emergency and where to go if they need to evacuate the premises.
By taking these steps, workplaces can ensure that their employees are prepared for an earthquake and that they will know what to do if one occurs.
Our Final Thoughts
The workplace is important for preparing for earthquakes and other natural disasters. By following the earthquake safety tips for workplaces outlined in this earthquake preparedness guide, employers can ensure that their employees are safe and secure during any potential seismic activity.
Employees should also be aware of what actions to take during and after an earthquake so that everyone remains as safe as possible. With some extra knowledge and preparation from MetroSafety, workplaces everywhere can protect themselves from the destructive power of nature’s most powerful force: earthquakes.
