Earthquakes at Work
Earthquakes strike without warning, and the shaking can last from seconds to a minute or more. Most injuries come from falling objects, collapsing structures and people being thrown or running in panic. Your actions in the first moments, and a plan made ahead of time, make a big difference.
- All Workplaces
- Construction
During shaking: Drop, Cover, Hold On
- Drop to your hands and knees so you aren’t knocked down.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms, and get under a sturdy desk or table if one is nearby. Crawl only if it’s within a few steps.
- Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops, and be ready to move with it.
- Don’t run outside during shaking. Falling glass, debris and facades cause many injuries.
- Don’t stand in a doorway; modern doors aren’t safer than other spots.
- Stay away from windows, shelves, light fixtures and heavy objects that can fall.
Special situations on the job
- Operating equipment: stop, set the brakes, lower raised loads and booms if you can do it quickly, and stay in the cab with your seatbelt on unless it’s unsafe. Stay away from overhead power lines.
- Working at height: hold on to something and stay put. If you’re tied off, stay tied off. Wait for shaking to stop, then climb down carefully, watching for damage. See Fall Protection Basics.
- In a trench or excavation: shaking can cause walls to collapse. If you can safely exit, do so quickly after the shaking stops. See Trench Emergencies.
- On a crane or lift: operators should follow the site plan to lower loads and stop operations.
- Driving: pull over to a clear area away from buildings, bridges, overpasses and power lines. Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on until shaking stops.
- Outside: move away from buildings, utility wires and trees, and drop and cover your head.
After the shaking stops
- Check yourself and others for injuries, and give first aid. See First Aid Basics
- Expect aftershocks. Be ready to drop, cover and hold on again.
- Evacuate if the building is damaged, there’s fire, or you smell gas. Use stairs, not elevators. See Emergency Action Plans
- Take a head count at your meeting place
- If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, get everyone out, don’t use switches or flames, and call the gas company and 911 from outside. See Gas Leaks
- Watch for fires, damaged wiring, broken glass and spilled chemicals. See Spill Response
- If you’re near the coast and shaking was strong or long, move to high ground in case of a tsunami, without waiting for an official warning
Stay out of damaged buildings until a qualified person says it’s safe. Don’t restart equipment or utilities until they’ve been inspected.
Plan before it happens
- Know your site’s earthquake plan, meeting place and who’s in charge.
- Secure heavy items and storage racks that could fall, and keep exits clear.
- Stock first aid kits, flashlights, water and a battery radio.
- Practice drills where earthquakes are likely. Many areas run annual “Great ShakeOut” drills.
- Have family plans for reuniting and communicating. See Family Emergency Plan and Earthquakes at Home.
Standards & references
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