Fire prevention may not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s one of the most critical aspects of workplace safety. Each year fire and rescue teams attend more than 7000 workplace fires and the impact of those fires can be devastating. That’s why introducing fire prevention measures is not just a compliance exercise, it’s an investment in your business’s future. Let’s delve into why fire prevention matters and how you can take action.
Why is it important to implement fire prevention measures?
First and foremost, fire prevention is about saving lives. A fire incident can cause injuries, trauma and even fatalities. Surviving a fire doesn’t just have short term consequences, it can have a lasting impact on employees. A fire incident can leave employees with PTSD and depression, and smoke inhalation can lead to long term respiratory illnesses.
Legislation dictates that employers must assess fire risk and take reasonable steps to reduce them. Every workplace carries its own unique risks and understanding them can make all the difference. However, ignoring hazards can amount to negligence, which can lead to hefty fines and reputational damage.
What is the economic and business cost?
Even a single fire incident can shut down operations for weeks or months, threatening the livelihood of employees and the survival of the business itself. Customers may look elsewhere and businesses could be left paying costs for goods and services that they can’t deliver.
Fires often destroy critical assets that are expensive to replace like machinery, raw materials and inventory. While insurance may cover rebuilding costs, claims often result in increased premiums, straining budgets long after the fire is extinguished.
If a fire leads to injuries or fatalities, businesses could face compensation claims. The additional burden of legal costs and the price of paying affected customers and employees could leave a business facing bankruptcy.
How can you mitigate the risk of a fire?
Workplace fires are often preventable if you take a proactive approach. So what can you do to make your workplace safer?
- Conduct a fire risk assessment: a comprehensive risk assessment identifies potential fire hazards, evaluates who might be at risk and forms measures to mitigate those risks.
- Install fire detection systems: smoke alarms alert employees, giving them time to evacuate before a fire spreads.
- Store flammable materials safely: keep flammable substances in designated storage areas away from heat sources.
- Maintain electrical equipment: faulty electrical systems are a common cause of workplace fires. Schedule routine checks with a qualified electrician.
- Appoint Fire Marshals or Safety Officers: train a team member to oversee fire prevention measures, conduct inspections and act as a point of contact during emergencies.
- Establish clear evacuation routes: mark emergency exits and ensure that all employees know where to go in the event of a fire.
- Introduce fire safety policies: encourage accountability by implementing policies that promote fire safety.
- Maintain firefighting equipment: ensure that fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and firefighting tools are regularly inspected and maintained.
- Adopt a safe-smoking policy: if smoking is permitted on-site, designate a specific outdoor area well away from flammable materials.
- Provide fire safety training: train employees to recognise fire hazards, use firefighting equipment and follow evacuation procedures.
How does fire prevention benefit businesses?
Implementing fire safety measures shows employees that you value their safety and wellbeing. It helps to create a positive workplace culture and allows workers to get on with their daily tasks without having to worry about the risk of a fire.
From a financial perspective, fires disrupt operations, resulting in losses of revenue. The cost of replacing damaged assets, along with losses of revenue and higher insurance premiums can leave businesses on the brink. A small investment in fire safety can go a long way.
A businesses reputation is always on the line. Fires can release harmful pollutants into the air, soil and water, causing long-term damage to the environment. By preventing fires, businesses align themselves with sustainability goals and demonstrating social responsibility.
Final thoughts
Fires in the workplace are avoidable, yet their consequences can be catastrophic when preventative measures have been overlooked. Ready to take the first step? At MOHS we provide fire safety training to organisations across the West Midlands. In the course we cover:
- Hazards and risks associated with a workplace fire.
- How a fire risk is controlled.
- Principles and practice of fire safety management at work.
- The role and function of a fire warden/marshal.
To learn more about the course and arrange a booking, click the link below:
https://mohs.co.uk/course/fire-safety-award-level-2/
Together we can protect lives and protect businesses!