Fire Safety In The Workplace
Maintaining your building’s fire safety can be very daunting, but the repercussions of a fire can be more detrimental than you may think.
Annually it is estimated that 22,000 fires have occurred in workplaces in the UK and more needs to be done to reduce both the statistics along with the impacts on businesses.
You Have a Risk Assessment in Place, Right? Right?
If you haven’t implemented or maintained basic fire safety measures such as a fire risk assessment you will suffer longer-lasting effects than just the debris. Incoming financial, legal and regulatory penalties will be ready to fall down on directors of the business as dictated by The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Fire Safety Act 2021.
Fire is a huge threat to all businesses and we understand random events do happen, which is why contingencies should be in place along with the initial background safety work. A responsible person by law should be appointed to mitigate the risk. They will be there to implement suitable safety measures.
Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
There are many things you can do as a business to reduce fire risks and its impact. Prior preparation will stand you in good stead for even the worst-case scenarios. From the initial impact on the business premises and the insurance claims that follow, to the downtime you are resigned to. The effects can be long lasting with customers unlikely to wait around and competition waiting in the wings to mop up your workload for the future.
Protecting your business and its employees from the outset should be at the forefront of your plans. Having documentation organised and to hand could save you a huge amount of downtime and pressure from clients throwing around their legally binding contracts.
It is Not Just Bricks And Mortar
Content damage and increased premiums will be the least of your worries when it comes down to fire if you have failed to protect life, or have caused injury within the business premises as a result of negligence. On top of these costs, your directors are highly likely to face a prison sentence and significant fines.
There will also be a long-lasting stain on the company that hasn’t protected or invested in the safety of its workforce impacting the overall brand image.
Long-Lasting Impact
1. Damage to the business premises
2. Damage to stock or machinery
3. Downtime during investigation and repair work
4. Financial, legal and regulatory penalties
5. Increased insurance premiums
6. Low staff morale who are unable to work or left to work in inadequate environments
7. Loss of business during the downtime
8. Environmental impact
9. Negative brand safety image
10. Failure to meet existing legally binding contracts
Protecting You And Your Business
We can undertake a full assessment of your premises, your current fire safety procedures and your emergency evacuation plan. A full report will then be produced, giving prioritised recommendations and practical guidance on how to carry out the necessary changes to reduce the risk of fire.