The top causes of fires at work - what you can do to help keep your workplace safe

Fires at work don’t just put lives at risk - they can also cause major disruptions to your business, and financial losses too. By taking a moment to get your head around the top causes of fires at work, you can take practical steps to keep your workplace safe. In this blog we're looking at how these fires start and what you can do to prevent them.

Electrical faults

One of the biggest causes of fires at work is faulty electrical equipment. For example: that super old kettle in the break room that’s definitely seen better days or the overloaded extension lead under your coworker's desk. It only takes one spark for a disaster to unfold. Regularly checking and maintaining electrical equipment is essential. If something looks worn out, replace it rather than risking it. At Ardent Safety we can carry out electrical testing for your small appliances to make sure everything you're using in the workplace is up to scratch.

Smoking materials

Not properly disposing of cigarettes is sadly another common culprit for fires breaking out at work. Picture a hurried smoke break where a cigarette end isn’t fully extinguished. If it’s flicked into a bin filled with paper, it’s a recipe for trouble. Designated smoking areas with proper metal bins with lids can help reduce this risk.

Cooking equipment

Workplace kitchens are great when you've forgotten to have breakfast or bring your lunch! But they can also be hazardous too. Unattended cooking is a leading cause of fires. A member of the team once heard about an office where someone left a toaster running while they stepped away to take a call. The bread got stuck, overheated, and started smoking heavily. Fortunately, someone noticed before it turned into a full-blown fire but you can see how taking your eye off the ball can cause accidents. Always keep an eye on cooking appliances, and make sure fire blankets or extinguishers are within easy reach.

Flammable materials

Poor and inappropriate storage of flammable materials is another of the top causes of fires at work. This could be cleaning products, paints, or even piles of paper left near a heat source. These items should always be stored properly, away from potential ignition points.

Human error

Finally, when humas are involved, accidents can happen! A faulty plug in a staff room or a heater left on overnight can easily lead to a fire. Encouraging a culture of awareness and responsibility is key to making sure things don't escalate. Something as simple as pinning up a list of checks for staff to run through before leaving the building can prevent small mistakes from becoming big problems.

If everyone is aware of these top causes of fires at work, work becomes a safer environment for everyone. Regular fire risk assessments, proper training, and a bit of common sense go a long way. Take a moment today to look around your workplace and see what could be improved. And if you need help with all things fire safety related, our training courses and fire safety support package could be what you need! Find out more today! Don't forget to follow us on Facebook for more workplace health and safety tips, advice and news.