Look out for these fire hazards at your workplace.
Even if you have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers installed throughout your workspace, this isn’t enough to mitigate your business’s risk for a devastating fire. You need to go the extra mile and take preventative measures. Here are some common causes of workplace fires and how you can prevent them.
Electrical Malfunctions
Broken and malfunctioning electrical and lighting equipment is one of the most common causes of commercial fires. Training your staff to safely use equipment can help you avoid malfunctions caused by improper use. Additionally, train your staff to look for signs of a potential electrical or lighting issue. For instance, frayed or damaged wiring, sparking outlets and machinery, and flickering lighting fixtures should be brought to your attention. As a business owner, you may also want to conduct regular workplace safety inspections to catch any issues your staff might have overlooked. If issues such as these are brought to your attention, seek immediate maintenance to ensure the issues do not lead to a fire.
Cooking Equipment
Surprisingly, cooking equipment is another common cause of workplace fires. This is even true for businesses outside of the food and restaurant industry. If you have cooking equipment in your employee breakroom (microwaves, toaster ovens, hot plates, electric tea kettles, etc.), your employees need to know how to use this equipment safely. Additionally, these appliances need to be turned off and completely cool before your employees leave for the night. Finally, flammable items should be removed from the vicinity while a piece of cooking equipment is being used. Taking these precautions will prevent fire from breaking out in your breakroom.
Watch out for these common causes of commercial fires. Want another way to protect your business from its various risks? Contact the experts at Weaver & Associates in Arcadia, California. We are ready to assist you with all your business insurance needs.
