What's Your Workplace Doing to Prepare for the Next Big Shake?
The reality: Over 20,000 earthquakes are recorded annually in Aotearoa New Zealand, with about 100-150 large enough to be felt each year. Yet many Kiwi workplaces remain dangerously unprepared.
More than a decade after Canterbury, workplace earthquake preparedness has slipped down the priority list. This is concerning because everywhere in New Zealand is at risk of earthquake hazards. Scientists did not even know there was a geologic fault in Canterbury until the September 2010 earthquake. We can (and have) become complacent.
Legal Requirements You Can't Ignore
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must identify and manage risks in the place of work so far as is reasonably practicable, including seismic risks. This isn't optional—it's law.
PCBU obligations include:
Risk assessment of seismic hazards
Emergency response planning for earthquake scenarios
Worker training on proper procedures
Regular emergency drills
Why Professional Training Matters
While Drop, Cover and Hold is the right action to take in an earthquake, many people instinctively want to run outside, which risks getting hit by falling bricks and glass. Each workplace has unique hazards requiring tailored responses.
Post-earthquake decisions are critical. It is much safer to stay in a building immediately after an earthquake than going outside. An earthquake is not like a fire—you don't automatically evacuate. Professional training teaches teams how to assess damage and make informed decisions.
Coastal considerations. Workplaces near coastlines need "Long or Strong, Get Gone" tsunami protocols integrated into their earthquake response.
The Business Case
Professional earthquake preparedness training delivers:
Reduced injury rates during seismic events
Faster business recovery post-earthquake
Demonstrated compliance with health and safety obligations
Enhanced employee confidence and retention
Protection of business reputation during crisis
We can't predict disasters, but we can prepare for them. With New Zealand's seismic reality, professional earthquake preparedness isn't optional—it's essential business infrastructure.
The question isn't whether New Zealand will experience more significant earthquakes—it's whether your workplace will be ready when they happen.
OPSEC provides workplace earthquake preparedness training and emergency management consultation throughout New Zealand, helping businesses develop robust response capabilities that protect people and maintain operations when the ground starts shaking.