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Office managers always have to ensure their employees are working in as a safe an environment as possible.

However, some disasters cannot be prevented and therefore it is important for all workers to know how best to react in the event of a natural disaster.

Anywhere in the world could be susceptible to an earthquake at any time, but there are areas far more vulnerable than others.

Employees in these areas are often given advice and shown training videos to help them understand how to cope in the event of an earthquake.

California is a classic example, where residents on the American west coast have witnessed some devastating quakes over the years.

The worst was in April 1906 when the earthquake and resulting fires caused an estimated 3,000 deaths and $524 million in property loss.

Cailfornia is particularly vulnerable due to the San Andreas fault that runs approxiamtely 800 miles through the state.

Earthquakes are carefully monitored and their frequency to some extent can be predicted, but nothing can be done to stop them.

Under the United States' Occupational Safety and Health Act the Government has issued Emergency Preparedness Guides to employers, giving guidance on what to do in the event of an earthquake.

The guide tells us that most earthquake-related injuries occur due to walls collapsing, flying glass, falling objects as a result of the ground shaking, or people trying to move more than a few meters during the tremor.

Workers and residents are advised to find a safe place to hide if such an event does occur, with a sturdy desk being a good place to hide under to prevent objects falling on top of you.

Ideally people should move as little as possible to find a safe haven and protect their head and eyes, whilst also holding on to a leg of the desk.

As was the case in California when the 1906 quake happened, fires can often break out as a result of broken gas lines, damaged electrical lines or appliances.

So employers need to have a plan and discuss these with their employees so that everyone knows what to do. As bizarre as it may sound, the guidelines recommend practicing the act of dropping in to a safe position under the desk at least twice a year, as it will become second nature and prevent hesitation in the event of a real quake.

Many of us not in an earthquake threatened area probably feel that fire evacuation drills are a nuisance, so carrying out earthquake preparedness drills would seem quite surreal, albeit a necessity.

2009 has already seen sizeable earthquakes across the world from Indonesia to Italy and Papua New Guinea to Peru

The earthquake in Central Italy earlier in the year was a reminder, if one was needed, that these natural disasters can be devastating, with estimates of at least 287 people killed and 1,000 injured in the L'Aquila area.

Even though such an occurrence is unlikely for many of us, it is always worth while knowing what to do when the unexpected happens.