Workplace fires provide clear evidence for the need for stringent safety measures and vigilance. Each year, there is a staggering number of fires in commercial properties. Many could easily have been avoided through the use of good fire safety and DSEAR management.
It is a legal requirement to manage fire safety. This requires companies and organisations to carry out fire risk assessments and to mitigate the risks that are identified. Too many firms either don’t adhere to this legal requirement to manage safety properly, or fail to use the services of a qualified, competent expert.
Let’s delve into some concerning fire statistics which might make people think twice:
Fires in UK Workplaces 2022/23
- 7,649 workplace fires reported in the UK
- Dangerous and Faulty appliances and leads caused most of the in workplaces
- Industrial premises, as you can imagine, posed thehighest risk of workplace fires.
- 17% of all workplace fires were intentionally started.
- Healthcare premises, the intentional ignition rate was even higher, with 39% of fires being deliberately started
Lessons to Learn
These numbers resulted in lost lives, health damage, community losses, jobs lost, services disrupted and businesses closed. The costs are astronomical in both financial and human terms. The reality, much of this loss could have been prevented. The cost could easily be reduced.
How do you put a cost on the loss of life?
How to Prevent Fires, Protect Life and Businesses?
Expertise and experience is the key.
Many fires are foreseeable and therefore preventable if you know what to look for.
Competent, skilled, third party accredited fire risk assessors have this knowledge and can help organisations to prevent fires. This saves lives, jobs and businesses from closure.
Three Key Actions
Ensure to:
- Carry out Fire Risk Assessments – buyer beware, don’t skimp on price as an expert will provide a quality service
- Initiate robust safety protocols – Regular inspections, fire safety training, and record keeping
- Swift emergency responses – Ensure that your staff are well-equipped and trained. Practice emergency procedures with regular drills.
Key Lessons:
-Too often organisations start off with good intentions but then don’t follow through with action. If you pay for a fire risk assessment, read it and action the findings. -Ensure to manage dangerous substances. If you use chemicals and substances obtain expert advice.-Carry out COSHH assessments and DSEAR assessments (by a competent person). -Remember that a fire could cost you everything. Preventing a fire through fire risk assessment is morally and legally right and provides excellent value for money.
Concluding Thoughts:
Don’t forget that every bad fire statistic represents human tragedy. Good fire safety is disaster averted and lives saved. A few hundred quid invested for a fire risk assessment builds lasting businesses.