Most people are concerned with fire prevention in their homes, but it’s also vital to consider potential fires in the workplace. There were 123 fatalities due to injuries from fires and explosions in 2017, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Offices, restaurants, hotels, and other facilities are full of potential fire hazards. To avoid fires and costly fire restoration, it’s important to be aware of these dangers. The following are some of the most common causes of workplace fires that your business should prevent. 

3 Common Causes of Workplace Fires

1. Flammable Materials

If you work in an industry that uses flammable materials like propane, natural gas, or combustible vapors, be sure to handle storage well. If these substances ever come in contact with a flame, they could start a fire or even cause an explosion. These significant accidents can make fire restoration more difficult. Protect your workers by properly storing flammable substances away from electrical sources. 

2. Faulty Electrical Wiring

Electrical equipment is one of the top causes of workplace fires. If wiring is old or damaged, it could overheat and combust. Overloaded outlets could also be a hazard, leading to major damage requiring fire restoration. To prevent fires caused by defective wiring, be sure to have your business’s electrical work inspected regularly. You should also avoid overloading circuits and talk to an electrical professional about how to best arrange electronics. Create policies to prevent employees from using risky high-wattage or high-heat appliances like personal space heaters in the office. 

3. Negligence 

Many fires happen due to accidents and human error. This could include improper disposal of cigarettes at a work site or leaving an open flame unattended. Your business may also have outdated fire safety measures or hard-to-reach fire extinguishers, causing a small flame to turn into a powerful blaze. To avoid fires due to negligence, be sure that all of your employees are well versed in fire safety and response. 

If you need fire restoration after a workplace incident, call the team at SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine / St. Augustine Beach. These professionals offer water damage restoration, fire restoration, water extraction, mold remediation, and emergency cleaning services for Florida residents and businesses. They will customize a plan to fit your needs, so you can move on with your life as soon as possible. To learn more about their services, visit their website. Call (904) 429-4457 to schedule an appointment.