The plea comes during the National Fire Chief Council’s Business Safety Week which runs from Monday 6 September to 12 September.
Now that organisations are opening their doors again and welcoming more of their staff back into the workplace, it is the perfect time review fire safety.
Many businesses had to close or change their ways of working due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But as they have now reopened business owners and Responsible Persons (RPs) must review Fire Risk Assessments to reflect any changes they have been made in response to the pandemic. It's important that steps are taken to ensure staff are suitably trained, fire equipment is checked and maintained and any covid secure measures do not compromise fire safety.
It is also a great time to ensure your business is not at a high risk of arson.
Fortunately, in Shropshire and Telford the number of deliberate fires at business premises is quite low and we aim to keep it that way. However just one fire at a business can have devastating effects.
Fire services can also provide help in reducing false alarms in the workplace which often have an impact on business productivity. SFRS have attended more than 900 automatic fire alarms so far this year (2021). This increases the pressure on fire service resources and time, both of which could be spent on dealing with genuine emergencies and community prevention and protection activities.
Business Fire Safety Lead, Martin Huckle, said:
“We are committed to helping businesses get back to work so they can continue to make their valued contribution to the economy and local communities.
“It has been such a challenging time, but fire can have a devastating impact on a business with many never recovering. But we are able to provide help and guidance to reduce this fire risk and encourage business owners to get in touch with us for advice."
SFRS can provide free help, advice, and guidance to minimise the risk of fire in the workplace. You can get in touch with our team by calling: 01743 260 200
or email: businessfiresafety@shropshirefire.gov.uk The advice is available throughout the year, but we are encouraging people not to delay reviewing fire safety.
