Presented by Mark Solano, CHST. and the Laborers Training School
Earthquake events have been occurring more often in the southland and with that we, at the Laborers Training School, feel that it is time to remind everyone of some of the basic steps to take when these events occur.
The "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" procedure is a widely recommended safety action to take during an earthquake. Here’s a detailed explanation of each step:
1. Drop
*What to Do: As soon as you feel the ground shaking, drop to your hands and knees. This position protects you from falling and allows you to move if necessary.
*Why: Dropping to the ground prevents you from being knocked over by the shaking, which can cause injury.
2. Cover
*What to Do: Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table or desk. If no shelter is available, cover your head and neck with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
*Why: Covering protects you from falling objects and debris, which are common causes of injury during earthquakes.
3. Hold On
*What to Do: Hold on to your shelter (or your position if no shelter is available) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if it shifts.
*Why: Holding on keeps you in your safe position and reduces the risk of injury from being tossed around by the shaking.
Additional Tips
*Stay Indoors: If you are indoors, stay there. Most injuries occur when people try to move to a different location or go outside.
*Avoid Doorways: Contrary to popular belief, doorways are not the safest place to be during an earthquake. They do not protect against falling or flying objects.
*Stay Away from Windows: Glass can shatter during an earthquake, posing a risk of cuts and injuries.
*If Outside: Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires, and then follow the Drop, Cover, and Hold On procedure if necessary.
*If Driving: Pull over to a safe spot, away from overpasses, bridges, and power lines. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.
Practicing the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" procedure regularly through drills can help ensure that you react quickly and effectively during an actual earthquake.
I entered the construction industry in the summer of 1979, faced with a choice from my father, who was president of Local 652 at the time: go to college or join the Laborers. I chose the Laborers.
I attended the Laborers Training School in Anza during the summer of 1980. Throughout my career, I worked with several respected companies, including Granite, Silverado, and Full Traffic Maintenance.
My passion for safety ignited during my time at Granite and I later assumed the role of Safety Manager at Griffith Company. This journey led me to serve on the subcommittee for Laborers Local 652 in Santa Ana in a management capacity.
It was there that I first learned of the position of Safety Officer at the Laborers Training School. Recognizing it as my calling, I embraced the opportunity to be part of a program that imparts knowledge ,experience, and safety values to young apprentices. It's both an honor and privilege to serve Laborer Local unions and contractors across Southern California.
"The path of safety and service is a rewarding one, built on sharing knowledge, experiences, and shaping a safer tomorrow."
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