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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.”
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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.
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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
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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.
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Eight ways to participate in Emergency Preparedness Week!
Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) began 15 years ago as a way to raise awareness across the country about the importance of being prepared for an emergency.
This year, EP Week is being celebrated May 2 – 8 and we’re asking Canadians to take action!
A flood, extended power outage, hazardous material leak or other disaster could affect water supply, cut electricity and phone service for days or even weeks. Emergency responders will be on the scene, but they can’t reach everyone right away.
Being prepared means being ready to cope for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency while those in urgent need are helped first. It can also make real situations less stressful for you and your family.
There are lots of quick, inexpensive things you can do to prepare your family (some of them take less than five minutes)!
- Know the risks – learn about local risks and plan for those that are more likely to occur. Is there spring flooding? Forest fires? Earthquakes? To find out more click here.
- Make a family emergency plan – since your family may not be together when an emergency happens, a plan will help you and your family know what to do and how to reach each other in an emergency. Click here to check out our NEW “Making a Family Emergency Plan” video.
- Talk to your kids about emergencies. Teach them basic personal information so they can identify themselves if they become separated from you, and who to call like 9-1-1 or your local emergency number, to get help.
- Get an emergency kit – find out exactly what goes in a kit by watching our short video, “Preparing a Family Emergency Kit in Plain English,” then share the link with friends or family.
- Take part in a local event – this year marks the 15th anniversary of EP Week, during which provinces and territories across the country join the Government of Canada and other partners in raising awareness about the importance of being prepared. To learn more about EP Week activities in your province or territory, please contact your emergency measures organization.
- Download and read a publication or visit your local Service Canada Centre to pick up a copy of Your Emergency Preparedness Guide.
- Take part in a contest from a “72 Hours” campaign supporter, Energizer, for a chance to win an emergency kit www.Energizer.ca/beprepared.
- Participate on Facebook – select an emergency preparedness button and change your Facebook profile picture; write on your wall about how you have prepared for an emergency; or create your own emergency preparedness fan page. The button and lots of great information for your fan page can be found at GetPrepared.ca
So, do your part! Take time this Emergency Preparedness Week to get the whole family involved and have fun getting prepared!
P.S. Stay in the loop year-round and become part of the growing number of Canadians who want to share experiences and learn more about how to prepare for emergencies by following us on Twitter @Get_Prepared.
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Help your staff learn about shock treatment using the exercise below:
Shock Scenarios:
A child has been helping to prepare dinner: The knife slips and makes a long slice across her hand, which is now bleeding profusely. Only the mother and child are at home. Who can go into shock?
A party is going full tilt when there is a scream from the kitchen. A guest has spilled a cup of hot coffee on her arm. Who can go into shock?
A pan of oil spills on the stove, causing a burst of flames that burns the face of a man. His wife and three children are at home. Who can go into shock?
A single automobile is in the ditch. There were three persons in the car. Two out of the car, mumbling, walking around dazed, and inspecting scratches and bruises on themselves. The third is in the auto, hugging her chest and gasping for air. Who can go into shock?
