Category: Health and Safety for Contractors

Companies must take steps to ensure all workers in their buildings, including professional contractors, are aware of what to do in case of a fire.

Figures from insurance firm RSA have revealed that a quarter of workers have never taken part in a full fire drill and one in 20 said their workplace has no marked fire exits.

Furthermore, one in 20 would stop to pick up a tea or coffee before leaving the building if an alarm sounded.

The London Fire Brigade has suggested that it should take around two-and-a-half minutes for a building to be evacuated, yet one in ten workers sit at their desk for a minute after the fire bell starts before making their way out.

"Businesses that do not take fire safety seriously are risking their employees' lives and their livelihoods," commented David Geer, global UK business director at RSA.

In the event of a fire alarm, everyone should make their way quickly and sensibly to the nearest fire exit, not stopping to collect personal belongings.

Posted by Daniel Frost