If you are a business owner, the safety of your employees should be your top priority.
While many employers focus on avoiding injuries from repetitive motion, accidents, and communicable diseases, there is one hazard that often slips through the cracks. Making sure your office is not a fire hazard can save you money in damages and potential lawsuits. There are an estimated 3,340 office fires a year and most of those are completely preventable.
Fortunately, you can help prevent office fires by educating your employees and taking a few precautions. If you are a business owner who wants to ensure the safety of your employes, this short and simple guide is for you.
1. Educate Employees
The first step in keeping your employees safe is to educate them on fire safety information. Teach your employees what they can do to prevent office fires. You should also teach them how to respond should a fire occur.
2. Have Regular Fire Drills
While teaching your employees is important, practicing fire drills is essential. Fire drills give your employees first-hand experience in dealing with an emergency. By practicing, they will be able to quickly jump into action, using fire extinguishers and other safety equipment when necessary.
3. Create an Evacuation Strategy
There are many benefits of fire safety prevention, one of which is having an evacuation strategy. This is essential for a business of any size. Plan out your strategy and make sure your employees are informed.
4. Keep a Clear Path
One way to keep your office safe is to keep a clear path in your office. You should have a three-foot-wide walkway around the office, including between furniture. This allows for a quick and easy escape should your employees need to evacuate.
5. Install Fire Alarms
One of the easiest ways to keep your office safe is to install fire alarms. This is essential, not only for your employee’s safety but to make sure your building is up to code. Follow the rules and regulations for your area and make sure you have as many fire alarms as required.
6. Maintain a Clean Environment
A helpful fire safety tip is to maintain a clean environment. Clutter around the office, especially paper clutter, can help a fire spread quickly. Clutter can also block entrances and make it hard for your employees to evacuate.
7. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Scheduling regular maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent fires. Maintaining your office equipment will ensure everything is up to code. Regular maintenance also helps you spot potential fire hazards, like an overheating piece of equipment or potential for electrical sparking.
Use These Fire Safety Tips To Keep Your Office Safe
Implement these safety tips to keep your employees safe from an office fire.
Start by educating your employees, having regular fire drills, and creating an evacuation strategy. You should also keep a clear path to safety items, install fire alarms, and maintain a clean environment. Make sure to schedule regular maintenance to reduce your chances of an office fire.
Follow these tips to keep your employees safe and your office protected. Don’t forget to browse our site for recommendations on all of the best products.