Fire and Rescue Services are offering businesses safety messages to be shared with their staff during the Chief Fire Officers Association’s (CFOA’s) UK Business Safety Week which is taking place this week (5th to 11th September 2016.)

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager, said: “This week of action has been scheduled to run at a time when many businesses will be recruiting additional members of seasonal staff in the run up to the Christmas period.

“These new recruits may not have the same level of fire safety awareness as permanent members of staff, and may not be aware of the steps needed to protect themselves, their customers and colleagues.

“It’s also a good opportunity to remind employers of the need to review fire risk assessments and make sure existing staff know the importance of fire safety.”

Helping businesses to manage their fire risks and hazards, and potentially to save lives and safeguard their interests against financial and commercial loss is of key importance, particularly in these competitive times when growth and sustainability are a priority.

Fire can cause major disruption for businesses – there is a far greater chance of recovery if risks have been identified, and appropriate arrangements have been put in place to prevent fires starting, or to mitigate their impact.

Fire and rescue services across the country will be holding a range of events and activities to engage with businesses in their communities, working with them to help improve their knowledge of fire safety and arson prevention.

In North Wales, staff from the Business Fire Safety Department and the Arson Reduction Team (ART) will be visiting businesses on the Lon Parcwr Business Park, Ruthin and the Peblig and Cibyn Industrial Estates in Caernarfon.  Staff will also be joined by Compliance Officers and operational crews for visits to industrial premises on Wrexham Industrial Estate to ensure that all business details are up to date and that hazards present at the premises are highlighted and logged, with prevention measures subsequently put in place.

Chief Fire Officers Association President Paul Hancock, said "Business Safety Week is a reminder to businesses that fire and rescue services are here to offer advice and help on making the workplace safe from fire.

“We ask employers to make fire safety priority and contact us if they haven't addressed previously reviewed arrangements and trained staff regularly. Not complying with the law can lead to financial penalties or, if the worst happens, loss of lives."