DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will be offering businesses safety messages as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) UK Business Safety Week 2018.

The week began on September 10 and runs to Sunday, September 16.

It aims to ensure businesses and their staff have the information they need to prevent, protect and respond to fire incidents in the workplace.

It is also the ideal opportunity for the Fire Service to remind employers of the need to review fire risk assessments, training and make sure existing staff know the importance of fire safety.

Did you realise that around 80 per cent of businesses fail following a significant fire?

Therefore it is extremely important to promote fire safety. Good fire prevention allows businesses to flourish, creates a safe environment for staff and visitors, as well as promoting community prosperity and well-being.

Group Manager Paul Bray, Business Safety Manager for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are keen to engage with small and medium size businesses to help them ensure that they are able to operate in a way that is safe from the terrible effects of fire. Businesses make a massive contribution to the economy and local communities and we want to help them to do this in a sustainable and safe way.”

RECRUITING FOR CHRISTMAS

The week has also 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.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will be sending out messages via “Facebook” and “Twitter” to raise awareness of fire safety in the workplace.

The service will be asking businesses to:

• Ensure they have taken action to prevent fires in the workplace

• Take action to protect themselves from arson

• Make sure all staff know how to respond appropriately in the event of an incident

• Work with their local fire service to reduce false alarms and enforcement notices.

Information can be found on the Fire Services website for businesses owners and managers explaining what must be done to ensure their business complies with Fire Safety legislation, and therefore make their premises safe to work in and visit.

This can be found at: www.desfire.gov.uk .

To report concerns about fire safety in a property or for advice about making your business safe, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, telephone 01392 872288 to be put through to your local fire safety team.?Alternatively, email: [email protected] .