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Bosses urged to improve fire preparations

15 April 2010

Preparedness for fire incidents in UK workplaces is falling below par and placing workers at risk in some cases.

This is the conclusion of a new report by RSA, which indicates million of people are being put in danger by a failure to adhere to government guidelines.

Recommendations such as holding full drills once a year are being ignored, it has been claimed by the insurer.

In addition, one in 20 workers polled claimed their workplaces are completely lacking in marked fire exits and six per cent admitted they would pick up a cup of tea before leaving a building when the alarm sounds.

According to the company's Global UK Business Director, David Geer, this apathy needs to be challenged and staff must be made aware of all fire safety procedures so that premises can be evacuated "quickly and efficiently".

"Businesses that do not take fire safety seriously are risking their employees' lives and their livelihoods," he declared.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales.

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