Under Occupational Safety and Health legislation, all employers are required to "develop procedures for dealing with emergencies that may arise while employees are at work". This includes emergencies such as earthquake or flood as well as localised emergencies that may occur only in the place of employment such as fire, spills, contamination etc.
It is the responsibility of the employee to be aware of such procedures and to know the location of safety equipment and materials.
Individuals At Work Should....
Identify your Floor Wardens and First Aiders
Identify the location of emergency equipment
Identify the location of the First Aid Kit and Manual
Identify the location of water taps, electrical switches and switchboards
Identify potential hazards, such as large windows
Secure equipment, cabinets, bookshelves and heavy objects
Identify safe and unsafe places around your immediate work area
Practise getting under your desk or into a safe spot as quickly as possible
Keep extra warm clothing and sensible shoes at work
Keep a store of energy bars and a large bottle of water
Keep a supply of essential medications at work
Store a supply of different sized plastic bags, a torch and spare batteries