Reviewed and updated July 2026. Statistics reflect HSE’s 2025/26 provisional fatality figures.
Fires are unlike other workplace hazards: they can spread within minutes, causing multiple injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. Unlike slower-developing risks, a single spark can trigger catastrophic consequences if prevention, detection, and evacuation systems aren’t in place.
Important: This guidance applies to workplaces across all sectors in the UK. Fire safety legislation differs in England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 126 workers were killed in work-related accidents in 2025/26 (provisional)1, and thousands more were injured2. While fire-related incidents are less frequent, their potential severity makes them uniquely dangerous, demanding proactive safety management.
1. Review your fire risk assessment
Why: Fire risk assessments are legally required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England & Wales3. In Scotland, the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 applies4, while in Northern Ireland, the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 applies5. These assessments identify hazards, evaluate risks, and outline controls to prevent incidents.
Action steps:
- Identify all potential fire hazards and who might be harmed.
- Assess current fire safety measures and address any gaps.
- Ensure assessments are conducted by competent persons.
- Review annually or whenever workplace changes occur.
- Document findings to support compliance and follow-up.
Tip: A thorough assessment is your first line of defence against sudden, high-impact fire events.
2. Test fire detection and alarm systems
Why: Fires move fast so early warning saves lives. Regular testing ensures systems function correctly when seconds matter most6.
Action steps:
- Test fire alarms weekly and record results.
- Check emergency lighting monthly.
- Ensure alarms are audible in all areas.
- Train staff to respond calmly and quickly.
Tip: Regular checks help your detection systems protect everyone, even in large or multi-floor workplaces.
3. Conduct staff training and fire drills
Why: Staff response can mean the difference between safety and disaster. Training reduces panic, improves evacuation times, and reinforces a culture of safety6.
Action steps:
- Provide fire safety induction for new employees.
- Conduct refresher training for all staff.
- Train fire wardens or safety officers.
- Run realistic evacuation drills periodically to test procedures.
Tip: Drills reveal gaps that could prove fatal in a real fire.
4. Inspect and maintain fire-fighting equipment
Why: Extinguishers and other equipment are your last line of defence. Faulty equipment can turn a small fire into a major disaster6.
Action steps:
- Ensure equipment matches workplace fire risks.
- Position extinguishers in accessible, clearly marked locations.
- Arrange annual professional servicing.
- Conduct monthly visual checks.
- Train staff in correct use.
Tip: Even minor equipment failures can lead to irreversible harm or property damage.
5. Keep evacuation routes clear and maintain good housekeeping
Why: Blocked exits or flammable materials increase fire risk. Clear, tidy spaces allow safe and rapid evacuation6.
Action steps:
- Keep corridors and fire exits unobstructed.
- Store flammable materials safely.
- Implement hot work permits for maintenance tasks.
- Remove combustible waste regularly.
- Strictly control smoking areas.
Tip: Good housekeeping is a simple, lifesaving habit.
Practical support for sector-specific fire safety
Fire safety checks shouldn’t be a one-off activity. Integration into your wider health and safety management strategy ensures:
- Ongoing risk assessment and monitoring.
- Coordination with other H&S training programmes.
- Legal compliance under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 20053 and the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 19747.
- A culture where employees feel confident and responsible about safety.
For workplaces seeking more detailed, sector-specific guidance, our Health & Safety 360° Guide 2026/2027 provides checklists, training records, and maintenance logs, helping you identify risks specific to your industry and improve fire safety compliance quickly.
Please note: This blog provides general health and safety guidance for UK workplaces. Following these steps does not guarantee legal compliance. To conduct a full health and safety self-assessment today, download our Health & Safety 360° Guide 2026/2027.
References
1 Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Latest annual work-related fatalities published (1 July 2026)
2 Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Key figures for Great Britain
3 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
5 Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
