EM : Train Workers Not to Shake When the Earth Quakes

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Chapter:- Emergency Management

Train Workers Not to Shake When the Earth Quakes

Topic: Workplace Safety

Earthquakes can occur at any time of year and happen suddenly, without much if any time for advance preparation, having and practicing a plan is key to helping your workers stay safe. To raise awareness,  Earthquake Preparedness and Response training to be provided.

Most earthquake-related injuries result from collapsing walls or floors, flying glass, and falling objects as a result of the ground shaking or people trying to move more than a few feet during the shaking.

In the workplace, the most significant hazards of earthquakes include the following:

• Being struck by structural components, furnishings, or inadequately secured stored materials;
• Burns resulting from building fires caused by gas leaks or electrical shorts; and
• Exposure to chemicals released from stored or process chemicals.

Train your workers to prepare for an earthquake in the workplace by:

Picking safe places, such as under a sturdy table or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or furniture that could fall. Designate several of these spaces throughout the workplace and instruct workers to move to the closest one available should an earthquake occur.

Practicing drop, cover, and hold-on procedures in each safe place: Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on to one leg of the table or desk, and protect your eyes by keeping your head down. Practice these procedures at least twice a year.

Educating them on your organization’s plan for the steps they should follow in the event of an earthquake. It should include the following precautions:

• Wait in a safe place until the shaking stops, check to see if you are injured, then check the people around you. Move carefully and watch out for things that have fallen or broken. Be ready for aftershocks.
• Be on the lookout for fires. Fire is the most common earthquake-related hazard due to broken gas lines, damaged electrical lines or appliances, and previously contained fires or sparks being released.
• Use the stairs if you must leave a building after the shaking stops, and look for falling debris.
• Stay outside if you’re outside during an earthquake. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and overhead lines. Crouch down and cover your head.

If your company is located in a particularly earthquake-prone area, you should conduct a detailed assessment of the hazards an earthquake could create and take preventive measures. For example, look for furniture or materials that could fall and strike workers or block their exit, consider whether an earthquake could lead to the release of any hazardous materials at your facility, and evaluate whether a sudden power outage would lead to hazardous conditions such as uncontrolled machinery.