Have you made sure that your workplace has fire safety measures in place?

There are numerous reasons why you need to take workplace fire safety seriously. Not only do you want to take care of the wellbeing of your employees, but you also want to make sure that you are not leaving yourself open to legal liabilities. On top of this, a workplace fire will certainly reduce your business’ productivity.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' fires and explosions made up 3% of total workplace fatalities in 2007. That is a significant percentage and one that you need to take seriously.

Workplace fire safety is an incredibly important component of worker safety. Take a look at this brief guide for information on keeping fire safety a priority.

Fire Prevention Planning

Fire prevention comes down to two main things: having the correct strategy or protocol in place in your workplace, and also having the correct equipment in the working environment.

Strategy and Protocol

With regard to a fire strategy or protocol, you should check with your state government to see the specific regulations. However, you should begin with the following:

• Ensure you have a designated area for employees to gather in the event of a fire (this is important so that you can easily check that everyone has exited safely)

• Have designated fire officers who are trained in responding to fires (these can be regular employees that have undertaken a further certification)

• Make sure that all of your employees are informed about the fire safety policy of your workplace and have also taken part in fire safety drills

• Use interesting fire training ideas to make your workers engage seriously with fire safety

You should also check out OSHA fire safety guidelines to ensure you are operating your business within national directives. You can also read our article on OSHA’s top ten most-cited violations.

Equipment

The other essential element of fire safety in the workplace is having the correct equipment to respond to fires. Here is a useful list of equipment to consider for a standard workplace (there will be further requirements for specialty workplaces where chemicals, explosives, and other volatile materials are used):

• Signage - signs directing workers to exit points and also fire equipment
• Fire extinguishers
• Fire blankets
• First aid kits
• High-vis vests for fire officers to wear in case of a fire

Workplace Fire Safety - Prepare Early

Now you have some fire safety tips for your workplace it is essential that you act on them quickly. We never know when a fire is going to affect our workplace.

For most of us, we just don’t expect it will ever happen at all. This is why you need to make sure that you make your preparations now - there will never be a more appropriate time.

Once you have taken care of your workplace fire safety plans, check out our further safety advice, such as preparing your workplace for COVID-19.

But remember, we never expect fires to affect our workplace and that is exactly why we need to be prepared now. Have you done everything you can to ensure your workplace is prepared for a fire?