With 22,000 fires in UK workplaces each year, fire safety has never been more important. To help you protect yourself, your staff, and your business, we have collated the most common causes of fires in the workplace and provided advice to help reduce these risks.
How Many Workplace Fires Happen Per Year in the UK?
There has been a downward trend in workplace fires over the past ten years; however, this doesn’t mean workplaces should be less vigilant. In 2023/4, there were approximately 7,000 workplace fires. Although this number has decreased, indicating the success of fire prevention measures, it is still a high risk that needs to be considered and measures put in place.
| Year | Total Fires in the Workplace in the UK |
| 2014/15 | 9,458 |
| 2015/16 | 9,347 |
| 2016/17 | 9,124 |
| 2017/18 | 9,000 |
| 2018/19 | 8,623 |
| 2019/20 | 8,133 |
| 2020/21 | 6,134 |
| 2021/22 | 7,345 |
| 2022/23 | 7,439 |
| 2023/24 | 7,033 |
Common Causes of Fire in the Workplace
The biggest common cause of fires in the workplace is faulty electrical appliances. However, there are many possible causes for fires, including: Flammable material, workplace clutter, human fault, smoking, cooking, arson, and non-fire compliant components. Each one poses a threat and generally has steps that can be taken to reduce it.
Electrical Fires in the Workplace
Electrical fires in the workplace account for 25% of all workplace fires in the UK. These can be caused by damaged cables, old or loose wiring, overloaded plug sockets or extension leads, or non-compliant equipment overheating and sparking, leading to fires.
To help reduce the risk of electrical fires in the workplace, we recommend:
- Being compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – A business should carry out an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR) every five years.
- PAT testing – Class 1 equipment every 12 months, Class 2 Equipment every 24 months.
- Regular checks of electrical wiring to ensure nothing has come loose or broken.
Flammable or Combustible Materials
Materials like paper, cardboard, fuel, and wood will all feed a fire if one occurs. Each of these materials is flammable and must be stored correctly and disposed of appropriately to reduce the risk of a fire. If you allow these materials to build up either in the workplace or when disposing, they can be set alight by an open flame, static electricity, or faulty wiring. To prevent this measure, we suggest:
- Storing flammable materials correctly, following the guidance of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation 2002 (COSHH). This will help you properly store flammable liquids like petrol, oil, solvent, and other flammable agents.
- Following the Dangerous Substance and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) – these are the minimum requirements to protect workers from fire and explosion threats related to flammable substances.
- Ensure all staff are trained in the appropriate storage, disposal, and handling of these materials.
Clutter Causing Workplace Fires
In the same way, combustible material needs to be stored correctly, and clutter in the workplace also needs to be maintained and reduced to stop the risk of a workplace fire. Workplaces need to be kept tidy and clean by removing rubbish, cleaning up dirt, dust, and grease. If these substances are allowed to build up, they can obstruct ventilation systems and fans, which will lead to machinery overheating. More general clutter, like rubbish, also poses a hazard as people may spill drinks or trip and fall, which can lead to damaging equipment that may start a fire. Workplaces should be tidy to reduce fires by:
- Regular cleaning inspections and staff reminders to limit the risk and ensure escape routes are clear and accessible in case of a fire.
- Ensuring rubbish bins aren’t overloaded, which can increase the risk of fire.
- Equipment is cleaned and inspected regularly to remove any buildup of dirt and spot any hazards.
Human Fault Causing Workplace Fires
Human error is one of the most common causes of fires in the workplace, making up an estimated 85%. This includes improper use of machinery and equipment, inability to follow health and safety guidelines, spilling flammable liquids, and overloading machinery. To reduce human error, it is important to:
- Follow the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), ensuring employees are given proper fire safety training on their first day of work.
- Carrying out fire safety training at regular intervals so no one becomes complacent and forgetful of the procedures.
- Conducting a fire risk assessment to make everyone aware of the specific risks within their role and workplace.
- Having fire preventative measures like fire extinguishers within the workplace, and training on where these can be located in the event of a fire.
Smoking Causing Workplace Fires
Within human error exists the risk of workplace fires when smoking. Discarded cigarettes can easily cause fires if they come into contact with flammable materials, like waste paper, leaves, or rubbish bins. To stop fires relating to smoking in the workplace, you should:
- Have signs posted designating a smoking area for staff at an appropriate distance from the building and outside discarded rubbish.
- A safe place for cigarettes to be disposed of so they aren’t thrown on the ground.
Workplace Fires From Cooking
Although a kitchen can be essential for employees, it also poses a risk for workplace fires. Open flames from hobs, hot surfaces, cooking oil, and cooking appliances like an oven, or storage like a fridge, can all lead to fires. To help reduce the fire risk in the kitchen, make sure:
- All staff are using the space correctly, no cooking is left unattended, items are cleaned and disposed of correctly, and the communal area is always clean and free from clutter.
- Ensure that fire alarms are installed so that if a fire does break out, staff will be alerted and have time to evacuate.
- A fire suppression system is in place to help put out and prevent a fire that may occur.
- Training is given to all staff on how to properly use the kitchen, and repercussions are applied for people misusing the space.
Arson
Although difficult to prevent, arson is a common cause of workplace fires, accounting for around a fifth of all workplace fires. Sites like unattended industrial areas and commercial businesses are common targets for vandals. Although arson can be hard to prevent with its unpredictable nature, there are steps you can take to reduce this risk:
- Having a fire hydrant on site in the case of arson, so that a fire can be put out quickly by the fire services.
- Installing CCTV cameras, motion sensors, intruder alarms, and a fire suppression system (like dry riser systems) to act as a deterrent as well as a solution in case arson occurs.
Non-compliant Safety Measures
The biggest way to reduce the risk of a workplace fire is to ensure your workplace has fire-compliant safety measures. Out-of-date risk assessments, poorly maintained fire alarm systems, and a lack of staff fire training can result in fires that could’ve been prevented. To reduce this, always:
- Comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FS0), which contains guidance on measures required for workplaces in the UK.
- Regularly service your fire alarm systems, emergency light systems, as well as fire doors to help prevent and detect fires.
Faulty Fire Detection Systems
Although faulty systems don’t cause a fire, failure to have a working system can lead to fires spreading and becoming a more serious threat. Regularly have your fire suppression systems inspected and installed by professionals to rest assured that your building is protected from fires. Without a working system, early stages of a fire can be missed, support won’t arrive, and you risk causing more damage.
Contact Crusader Fire to Fire Proof your Workplace Today.
How to Reduce The Risk of Common Causes of Fires in the Workplace
Although there are many common causes of workplace fires, there are ways to go about reducing these risks. On top of the advice for the specific risks, there are general steps you can take to help reduce the risk of a fire:
- Don’t overload plug sockets and ensure electrical equipment is regularly inspected.
- Keep flammable materials in controlled environments and dispose of them away from the worksite.
- Provide staff with fire safety and prevention training.
- Regularly test your fire alarm systems.
- Keep a clean and tidy workplace, including the bin areas.
- Install CCTV, motion detectors, fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting.
When it comes to workplace fire safety, think Crusader Fire. With years in the industry and being a trusted supplier of fire prevention systems, we ensure that your building is following all of the legal regulations, as well as offering service and maintenance for all of your fire prevention systems.