Raising the Bar on Workplace Safety
In the wake of a string of powerful earthquakes across the Philippines, a House official is pressing private sector employers to make earthquake preparedness a recurring practice rather than a ceremonial obligation. Deputy Speaker and Trade Union Congress of the Philippines party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza urged companies to hold at least two earthquake drills each month to strengthen workers’ “muscle memory” for emergencies.
“Beyond seemingly token and ceremonial compliance, we should make preparedness a habit and earthquake readiness a work culture,” Mendoza said in a statement over the weekend. His call comes as the country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for seismic and volcanic activity that often tests national resilience.
Why Frequent Drills Matter
Mendoza argues that regular, structured drills help employees react instinctively when danger arises. By embedding earthquake protocols in daily routines, he says, workers can respond quickly, safely, and with less hesitation during real events. This approach, he notes, should extend beyond emergency plans to become a regular topic in labor-management dialogues and corporate operations.
“Wala dapat pilitan sa pagtatrabaho lalo na kung nasa peligro ang kanilang buhay mismo,” the lawmaker emphasized, underscoring the moral imperative to protect workers’ lives. The goal, he explained, is to make preparedness a tangible part of every company’s risk management framework rather than a checkbox on a compliance checklist.
Context: Recent Quakes Triggering Concern
The call to action follows a series of significant tremors that affected several regions in the past two weeks. Notably, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu on Sept. 30, resulting in 74 fatalities and 559 injuries. Earlier in October, a magnitude 4.4 quake hit Northern Luzon near Pugo, La Union, prompting class suspensions and government office shutdowns in affected areas.
On Oct. 10, a pair of quakes off Mindanao—magnitude 7.4 southeast of Manay, Davao Oriental, followed by a 6.8 quake nearby—triggered tsunami warnings and heightened local alarm. Tragically, eight people died in the Davao Oriental events, reinforcing the fragile line between routine life and disaster response.
What Companies Can Do Right Now
To translate Mendoza’s call into action, organizations can adopt several practical steps:
- Increase drill frequency to at least twice a month and synchronize drills with labor-management meetings.
- Incorporate clear, simple exit routes, assembly points, and sheltering procedures into daily operations and floor plans.
- Train a cadre of safety champions or wardens who can guide colleagues and keep protocols up-to-date.
- Use real-world scenarios aligned with local hazards, including aftershocks and tsunami warnings in coastal areas.
- Document drills, track participation, and review feedback to continuously improve response times and decision-making.
A Step Toward a Safer Work Culture
Creating a culture of safety begins with leadership commitment. When companies demonstrate that emergency readiness is non-negotiable, employees gain confidence to act decisively. This not only reduces potential injuries but also minimizes business disruption, contributing to a more resilient economy in challenging times.
The Role of Government and Industry Partnerships
Legislators like Mendoza view enhanced drills as a shared responsibility among the government, labor unions, and the private sector. By making earthquake readiness a standard agenda item, the country can better prepare for future crises and safeguard livelihoods in communities across the archipelago.
Looking Ahead
As the Philippines continues to experience seismic activity, the emphasis on practical, regular training grows more urgent. Building muscle memory for safety is not a one-off effort but a long-term investment in workers’ lives and the nation’s resilience.
