On Friday near Lytton, BC a 48 yer old man was hit by a train. He was saved from death by the train’s engineer and conductor who performed CPR on scence while waiting for EMS. The man stopped breathing minutes after being struck by the train and the train crew administered CPR quickly. Police have stated that the first aid treatment and CPR offered by the train crew may have saved the man’s life.
The largest earthquake to hit the Ontario/Quebec region in 20 years sent people scurrying from their buildings late Wednesday afternoon. The 5.0 quake left behind structural damage to bridges, buildings, roads and schools. An earthquake of 5.0 is considerate a moderate earthquake that could cause considerable damage to poorly constructed buildings. The quake lasted for approx. 20 seconds and even forced Via Rail to stop trains. In Ottawa’s Rideau Shopping mall windows shattered and one school was closed.
BC has experienced many earthquakes with the most severe occurring in 1918, 1929, 1946 & 1949. The largest earthquake recorded in Canada had a magnitude of 8.1, occurring in 1949, off the Queen Charlotte Islands. Experts believe that BC is not only susceptible to a major earthquake, but that one is long overdue. It is our responsibility to be aware of the need for emergency planing, preparedness and risk management BEFORE an earthquake occurs.
The impact of major earthquake on BC workplaces could be severe in terms of life, property and economic losses. Business owners, managers, supervisors and employees must be aware of the impact a major earthquake could have on their life.
In 1989 the San Fransisco earthquake forced 50% of small businesses in Santa Cruz to permanently shut their doors. Of 1100 businesses surveyed following the 1994 Northridge earthquake in California, 25% failed to recover from the damage. The loss of jobs related to these events had a significant economic impact on the area.
In Canada and the US, experience with earthquakes has demonstrated that most buildings in an affected area will survive a large event with minimal structural damage. However, non-structural damage (toppled filing cabinets, shelves) can result in buildings being inoperable for long periods of time.
It is imperative that individuals recognize, plan, and prepare for the impacts of a large earthquake occurring at the workplace by ensuring that plans are developed, implemented and practiced regularly to minimize the physical, property and economic losses.
Remember, workplaces throughout Canada are legally required to comply with the Canada Labour Code; “Every employer shall ensure that the health and safety at work of every person employed by the employer is protected.”
This has been the year of earthquakes. Eight powerful earthquakes have rocked Haiti, Chile, Turkey, Indonesia, China, and Japan, leaving hundreds of thousands dead, injured, or homeless.
#1 Brief Staff. Staff should be educated on what to do before, during and after an earthquake – at home, at work or on the road.
#2 Emergency Supplies. Keep enough emergency food, water, heat, lighting and sanitation supplies to last the average number of people on the premises for at least 72 hours.
#3 Assess Building Vulnerability. Make inquiries, meet with engineers or contractors – even if you lease.
#4 Reduce hazards. Contact our office for a free assessment.
#5 Assign Tasks to Staff. Remove uncertainty – assign floor captains, fire captains and more.
#6 Resources. Determine the critical resources of your business and establish backup suppliers from out of town.
#7 Transportation. Roads will be closed. Consider how critical resources will be shipped to you if normal routes are not available.
#8 Vital Records. Identify vital business records and documents and store duplicates off site. Ensure you have a system of backups in place.
#9 Communications. Telephone systems may be disrupted. Consider alternate methods of communication with employees, suppliers, and customers.
#10 Review Insurance. Determine your earthquake insurance needs.
#11 Coordinate Plans. Team up with other building tenants, neighbours and business partners.
#12 Practice. Regularly practice earthquake response and recovery activities.
Your sitting at your desk and your neck is sore, your back aches and soon you have lost your concentration. You know the feeling.
#1 Adjust your Workstation. You spend 8 hours a day at your work station so being comfortable is key to staying healthy. Support your arms and don’t tip your wrist back. Sit properly, with feet on the ground (uncross those legs), and set your screen so the top line of text is eye level.
#2 Stretch. Get up, move, and stretch. Bring some movement into your day.
These two simple steps will make a huge difference in your day. Try it!
Don’t forget to follow us on twitter @ sosfirstaidbc
Preparedness Tip #1
Take a moment to imagine that there is an emergency, like a fire in your home, and you need to leave quickly. What are the best escape routes from your home? Find at least two ways out of each room. Now, write it down — you’ve got the beginning of a plan.
Preparedness Tip #2
Pick a place to meet after a disaster. Designate two meeting places. Choose one right outside your home, in case of a sudden household emergency, such as a fire. The second place you choose needs to be outside your neighborhood, in the event that it is not safe to stay near or return to your home.
Preparedness Tip #3
Choose an emergency contact person outside your area because it may be easier to call long distance than locally after a local/regional disaster. Take a minute now to call or e-mail an out-of-town friend or family member to ask him or her to be your family’s designated contact in the event of an emergency. Be sure to share the contact’s phone number with everyone in the family. During an emergency, you can call your contact who can share with other family members where you are; how you are doing; and how to get in contact with you.