When we talk about Fire Risk Assessments, it is not just about keeping in line with legislation; it is about saving lives in the event of a fire!

Fire Risk assessments are there to save lives; how would you feel if there was a fire on your premises and one of your employees died due to negligence on your part?  It is not worth thinking about however, Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings faced charges on the 17th February as an employee died whilst working in a trench.  They received a £385,000 fine for not following the correct health and safety regulations.

As reported by the FIA The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 states that a company can face prosecution if an employee dies because of a "gross breach of a relevant duty of care owed by the organisation to the deceased".

As we have seen in the recent BBC news, even Fire Fighters are responsible for keeping their colleagues safe whilst fighting a fire.  Unfortunately four Fireman Died in 2007 and in April this year fire chiefs in Warwickshire are facing charges of manslaughter by gross negligence.

Their local government body, Warwickshire County Council, will face charges of failing to ensure the health and safety of its employees when the case comes to court in April, according to the BBC read the full story [..here..]

When visiting companies to carry out Fire Risk Assessments, it is quite frightening when you see the most vital life saving equipment not working or procedures not in place to ensure the safety of others.  The list is endless, Fire Extinguishers not working or haven't been serviced for sometime, Fire Doors not fitted properly and basics such as fire exits being locked.  These are all vital elements to keep your employees and your employees safe in the event  of a fire.

A Fire Risk Assessment carried out properly can save lives and prevent the death of others.