With bushfires expected to occur in the summer, Gallagher has provided tips on conducting fire assessments and meeting business risk mitigation obligations.

In its latest blog, Gallagher reminded Australian businesses of their responsibility to conduct comprehensive fire risks assessments regularly to identify, assess, and mitigate workplace fire risk exposures. It warned that failure to prepare for fire risks could result in:

• injuries and fatalities
• emergency service providers receiving false alarms
• property damage
• business interruption and lost productivity
• public and employers' liability
• increased insurance premiums
• occupational health and safety issues

Commercial premises could also face regulatory fines and penalties if they failed to undertake regular fire risk assessments.

Common workplace fire hazards

Gallagher said businesses can prepare for fire risks by looking for common workplace fire hazards:

• faulty electrical equipment
• flammable and combustible materials
• inadequate or inoperable fire safety equipment
• natural hazards

“Although each working environment is different, there are a number of causes of workplace fires and common workplace fire hazards to watch out for. Business owners and operators are advised to schedule regular assessments of potential fire hazards and work on ways to eliminate or reduce the attendant risks,” Gallagher said.

The insurance industry has been advising Australians and businesses to brace for the bushfire season. Despite the importance of preparation, a recent insurance study found that nearly 52% of Australians did not know their home's bushfire attack level (BAL), and a further 13.5% did not know what a BAL is.