A common theme in the aftermath of workplace safety incidents is disbelief. While most companies have some level of employee safety training, it’s often seen as an unimportant formality rather than a crucial obligation. Companies tend to think fire emergencies won’t actually happen and get complacent.
In reality, there are thousands of fire safety incidents at businesses every year. These fires lead to property damage, injuries, and even fatalities.
So, what can you do to improve fire safety in the workplace? This article lists some important tips for your consideration.
Have a Fire Safety Plan
Fatalities and injuries from workplace fires typically occur because the victims panic and make mistakes. A rapid shift from a mundane workday into a life-threatening emergency causes shock and bewilderment, and without a solid safety plan, people may behave illogically.
For example, most people know you shouldn’t try to retrieve personal items during a fire, but during an actual crisis, people tend to behave strangely, particularly if there isn’t a clear plan in place.
By having a clear safety plan in place, you ensure your staff know what to do in a fire. People who know what’s expected of them in an emergency situation tend to make more logical, safety-driven decisions.
Practice Fire Drills
Of course, plans have a nasty habit of falling apart the moment they’re confronted with reality. This is especially true for emergency plans. When people feel like their lives are in danger, they tend to forget all about previous information and instructions.
That’s why it’s crucial that your employee’s safety training includes not only detailed plans but also regular fire drills. If you want your staff to react responsibly and effectively during a real fire emergency, they need to be so familiar with the safety process that they can do it without thinking.
If your staff struggle to remember the safety process during an actual emergency, it’s likely they’ll abandon safety procedures and start acting on their own initiative.
Emergency First-Aid Training
Another crucial yet often overlooked aspect of fire safety procedures is having emergency first aid training. If someone is injured, you should always call 911 as soon as possible, but sometimes help is minutes away. When staff have appropriate training for first aid for burn injuries, you won’t need to wait for the professionals to get on the scene to react.
Consider spending a few days of the year educating your staff on first aid techniques and procedures to ensure they are prepared for any emergency. There are typically group discounts for CPR certifications available, so safety training isn’t necessarily expensive.
Fire Safety in the Workplace Is Crucial
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking a fire can’t happen at your office. Fire safety in the workplace is crucial. Remember, simply having a plan isn’t enough; you also need to practice putting that plan into action.
When staff have the appropriate training and are well-versed in how to use it in an emergency situation, you significantly reduce the chances of injuries or fatalities during a fire.
Are you interested in learning more about some other work-related topics? Check out the rest of our blog posts.