OSHA Fire Safety: Workplace Standards & Inspections

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fires accounted for 3% of workplace fatalities in 2007. Men incurred a higher percentage of fatal work injuries due to fire than women. Fortunately, government agencies like OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) can enforce fire safety standards and practices in the workplace.

OSHA Inspections

• OSHA ensures workplaces are following proper safety protocols by conducting workplace inspections. During the inspections, OSHA checks to see whether the employers are complying with fire safety standards.

Evacuation Plans

• Emergency evacuation planning is also a tool that OSHA uses to ensure employees are protected during fire emergencies. The employer is responsible for having a written emergency plan to evacuate employees. In some cases, specific employees are trained and assigned certain emergency duties in the event of a fire.

Fire Exits

• Fire exits are essential in every workplace. Each building must have at least two escape routes that can be used during a fire.

Fire Extinguishers

• OSHA also requires that workplaces are equipped with fire extinguishers. The extinguishers must first be approved by OSHA and must also be kept in good operating condition.

National Fire Prevention Week

• Another way that fire safety in the workplace is encouraged is through annual events. For example, each year there is a National Fire Prevention Week. During the week, focus on fire safety in the home and workplace is emphasized.