It has been years since the 17th of August earthquake. Since that day, our country has learned to live with the reality of earthquakes, and is still adapting. Ninety-two percent of Turkey’s land is located on fault lines, which is why small and large tremors occur every year. According to the data released by the Kandilli Observatory, in 2019, there were 23,481 earthquakes, and by August 2020, there had already been 21,549 earthquakes. Since earthquakes happen without warning, no one knows when and where they will occur. Everyone wonders how resistant their homes are to earthquakes. But how prepared are the workplaces, where we spend a significant portion of our time?

For workplaces to be resistant to earthquakes and other disasters, emergency response plans must be in place. Every year, sufficient earthquake drills should be conducted to ensure readiness, and improvements or changes should be made if necessary. In order to prevent loss of life and property during an earthquake, workplaces must comply with earthquake regulations and standards from the planning stage. By ensuring that the building is structurally sound and that employees know how to react correctly, the potential for loss of life and property can be minimized.

Unsecured items, furniture, and various machines in the workplace can move, fall, or slide during an earthquake, creating serious safety hazards. Installations and machinery inside the building should be positioned with earthquake risk in mind. Materials that block emergency exit routes, suspended ceilings, wall coverings, glass surfaces not secured with safety film, falling or breaking lighting devices, items falling from cabinets, and many other similar situations can cause serious injuries, material losses, and even fatalities during an earthquake.

To minimize the damage caused by an earthquake in the workplace, the following measures should be taken:

• Provide first aid and emergency response training for employees.
• Designate a safe assembly area in advance for any disaster.
• Ensure employees prepare earthquake kits.
• Secure heavy items such as desks and cabinets inside the building. Identify items that may fall or break during an earthquake and take necessary precautions.
• Conduct regular earthquake drills throughout the year.
• Avoid placing any items in emergency exit routes or stairways that may obstruct passage.
• Store heavy materials at the bottom of cabinets. Do not keep heavy items in work areas where they can fall on employees.