Earthquakes are recognised by WorkSafe NZ as a workplace hazard. “Objects within workplaces such as bookcases, fridges or other heavy furniture remain the responsibility of tenants and occupants. Anchoring such objects to sturdy building elements to ensure they cannot move or fall on people during an earthquake is a common way of addressing these risks. Failure to identify and properly manage these types of risks is a breach of HSWA”WorkSafe June 2018
Services aligned with HSWA defined risk management process.
HSWA Risk management process | Aligned service offer |
Duty to identify hazards | Earthquake Hazard Assessment |
Implement control measures | Install Seismic Restraints |
Duty to provide training | Staff Safety Training |
Duty to review control measures | Annual Seismic WOF Audit |
Duty to maintain effective control measures | Service Level Agreement services |
Significant New Zealand earthquakes demonstrated the effectiveness of professionally fitted restraints and highlighted deficiencies in many DIY restraint installations.
Consider the following before entrusting seismic restraint installation to a handyman, builder or removal company:
When the cost of failure could be measured in lives, is el-cheapo really the way to go?
DIY death trap