Return to Work Plan
After an earthquake it is important we remind ourselves of the safety measures we need to
take and of the processes already in place. When we first return to the office it is important
we check the safety of a building structure and the condition of office items and furniture.
Lundia Filing
The Lundia filing system will need to be tested to make sure it is still running smoothly and
freely. If the Lundia is not able to be freely pushed along its tracks it is to be left alone and
the area surrounding the Lundia cordoned off. Please inform the Office Services Team
straight away if this occurs. Lundia Shelving is heavy and if they have come off their tracks
they pose a potential falling hazard that could easily crush someone.
Fridge
If there is any funny chemical smells leaking from the fridge, vacate the floor straight away
and contact the Office Services Team once off the floor. Do not enter again until given
further notice.
Kitchen/Dishwasher
The office Services Team in Auckland will organise for a plumber to come and check the
plumbing of the kitchen and plumbing into the dishwasher. This can often be damaged
during an earthquake and cause flooding and electrical faults. Please do not use the
dishwasher until a plumber has given it the all clear.
Pool Vehicles
A manager or their appointee will need to visit the car parking in the basement to check the
two pool cars have not been damaged by the earthquake i.e. rocking into surrounding
vehicles and pillars.
Ceiling Panels
The engineers have checked level 3 for any loose ceiling panels and have confirmed that
none have been identified. If you are concerned that there is a visibly loose panel please
cordon off the surrounding area and contact Office Services Team straight away.
Furniture and Desks
It is understandable that furniture may have shifted place during the earthquake so when
entering your workspace please do so with caution and assess the area for any trip hazards
or items that could fall and do harm.
The Office Services Team can be contacted on via the following numbers:
09 909 5100
09 909 5174
Dress
Given the special circumstances, casual dress is acceptable attire this week as you return to
work. It is likely that the office may be dusty and that some minor tidy up work will be
needed. It is also easier if you need to “drop, cover and hold” and evacuate the office.
Ensure your footwear is suitable for walking and possibly encountering broken glass in town.
Expect that normal business attire will resume on Monday 29th unless otherwise advised.
Support
Employee Assistance Programme is available from EAP Services on 0800 327 669. This
service is available 24/7 and is free and confidential.
Earthquake procedures
DROP, COVER and HOLD
Please see the attached pamphlet from Get through NZ – link attached www.getthru.govt.nz
The website also provides information on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Please take the time to read this information.
If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, drop, cover and hold. Stay
indoors till the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. In most buildings in New
Zealand you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops. Most earthquakerelated injuries and deaths result from falling debris, flying glass and collapsing structures
such as buildings and bridges.
If you then required to evacuate the building, please follow your normal evacuation process.
The office is suppied with emergency kits. These are located in xxx and contain. Please
familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures and emergency kit contents and agree
with your manager how they will be used.