Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is offering businesses ‘simple’ safety messages. ‘Now is the time to think about fire safety in your organisation’ – That’s the message from Norfolk County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, as they gear up for UK Business Safety Week (07 – 13 September 2015).
The Service will offer local businesses ‘simple’ safety messages to share with their staff during the week which is taking place at a time when many businesses will be recruiting additional members of seasonal staff in the run up to Christmas.
The new recruits might not have the same level of fire safety awareness as permanent members of staff, and may not be aware of the steps needed to protect themselves, their customers and colleagues. It is also a good opportunity to remind existing staff of the importance of fire safety.
Richard Herrell, Head of Community Fire Protection at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I would encourage all businesses to ensure their staff are fully aware of potential fire risks and hazards, and know what to do in an emergency.”
“We are pleased to support the Chief Fire Officers UK Business Safety Week. The message is a SIMPLE one, but it is vital that businesses consider the risks of fire and that their employees are also aware of the potential dangers. Fire risks in businesses may change at this time of year as there is the potential for more staff, more stock and more customers.”
This year’s message for businesses is ‘Keep it SIMPLE and Safe’ and offers the following reminders:
- Store stock safely: keep corridors, stairs and exits clear
- Identify alarm points so you can warn others
- Make sure doors are closed to stop fires from spreading
- Place things that catch fire away from things that cause fire
- Let someone know if you spot fire safety problems
- Ensure everyone knows what to do if a fire alarm sounds
Helping businesses to manage their fire risks and hazards, and potentially save lives and safeguard their businesses against financial and commercial loss is of key importance, particularly in these competitive times when growth and sustainability are a priority.
Fire can cause major disruption for businesses – there is a far greater chance of recovery, if risks have been identified and appropriate arrangements have been put in place to prevent fires starting, or to mitigate their impact.
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service are using social media with the Twitter hashtag #BusinessSafetyWeek to support the initiative and get key messages across to the business community.
In Norfolk, between 2012 and 2014, Norfolk Fire and rescue Service attended 583 accidental fires in business premises. The most common cause was faulty appliances, issues associated with electrical supply and cooking.
Cllr Paul Smyth, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Communities Committee, said: “Fire can cause major disruption to businesses, so it makes good business sense to identify risks, to put appropriate arrangements in place to prevent fires from starting in the first place, and to mitigate their impact.”
“The SIMPLE approach will also help employers with their duty of care to employees, so I would encourage Norfolk businesses to make use of the advice the Fire Service is offering.”
