Workplace Fire Risks in the UK
Overview of Workplace Fires
Fires in the workplace pose significant risks to employees and businesses alike.
Statistics and Data
According to recent data from the Home Office:
- Non-Residential Building Fires: In 2019-2020, there were 18,244 non-residential building fires in the UK.
- Industrial and Commercial Fires: 4,495 fires occurred in industrial or commercial properties, such as factories, warehouses, and offices.
- Fatalities: There were 15 fatalities from non-residential building fires during this period.
- Non-Fatal Injuries: 1,119 non-fatal injuries resulted from non-residential fires.
Causes of Workplace Fires
The main causes of workplace fires in the UK include:
- Electrical Faults: Electrical faults accounted for 24% of non-residential building fires.
- Misuse of Equipment: This includes misuse of flammable substances and smoking, contributing to 22% of fires.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers have a legal duty to protect their employees from the risks of fire in the workplace.