World Day for Safety and Health at Work was established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to highlight the importance of workplace safety. This day serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility among businesses, unions, governments and employers to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. 

But what exactly is World Day for Safety and Health at Work, and how can businesses go beyond the basics to enhance employee well-being – especially in fire safety? Read on to learn more. 

What is World Day for Safety and Health at Work? 

Established in 2003, World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year on April 28. This year, the theme focuses on the impact of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) on workers’ wellbeing. 

On this day, businesses, unions and individuals come together to raise awareness, discuss workplace safety challenges, share best practice and advocate for stronger occupational health regulations. It’s also a time to recognise those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to workplace safety. 

Businesses are encouraged to participate by conducting safety assessments, providing safety training and implementing critical protocols such as risk assessments or developing an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for fire emergencies. 

Why is World Day for Safety and Health at Work important? 

According to the ILO, approximately 2.93 million workers die each year due to work-related causes, while 395 million sustain non-fatal injuries. World Day for Safety and Health at Work aims to raise awareness and inspire action to prevent workplace accidents and promote employee well-being. 

Emerging workplace fire safety risks 

From mental health concerns to AI-driven workplace risks, the landscape of occupational safety is constantly evolving. But what emerging fire safety risks should businesses be paying attention to? 

Unsafe cladding 

The issue of unsafe cladding remains a pressing concern. Stricter timelines for remediation and potential penalties for non-compliance continue to impact building owners and construction firms. 

With updates to the Building Safety Act already in effect as of October 2023, and further revisions to fire safety regulations on the horizon, businesses must be proactive in adapting to these changes. 

Fire risks of new technology 

Lithium-ion batteries – commonly used in e-bikes, electric vehicles and other equipment – are increasingly linked to workplace and residential fires. As these batteries become more prevalent, it’s crucial for organisations to assess and mitigate fire risks associated with their use. 

Lithium-ion batteries power portable devices, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. While they offer numerous benefits, their safety depends on proper manufacturing, handling, storage and recycling. 

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person (RRP) -typically the employer, owner or occupier – must actively manage fire safety. This includes conducting fire risk assessments to identify potential hazards, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and implementing mitigation strategies. 

Given the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in workplaces, it’s essential to develop an action plan to prevent potential fire hazards. 

Fire safety in the workplace: 2025 and beyond 

Thanks to improved prevention strategies and the increased use of smoke alarms, fire-related fatalities have declined, according to 2024 data. However, there’s still work to be done. 

More businesses are recognising the importance of employee fire safety training, with virtual reality (VR) tools becoming increasingly popular for interactive fire drills. 

Additionally, data-driven decision-making is transforming fire risk management. Advanced analytics and fire safety software now allow businesses to track and manage fire safety measures more effectively. 

Predictive analytics are also becoming an essential tool, helping organisations identify potential risks before they escalate. By analysing trends such as injury frequency, near-misses and equipment malfunctions, businesses can take a proactive approach to workplace safety. 

Best practices for fire safety in your organisation 

Fire safety is a fundamental part of workplace health and safety. To ensure your organisation is prepared, consider implementing these best practices: 

• Assign a fire warden – Designate a trained individual responsible for overseeing fire safety procedures. 

• Identify hazards – Regularly assess your workplace for potential fire hazards such as faulty wiring, combustible materials and blocked fire exits. 

• Have an evacuation plan – Develop a clear and well-communicated evacuation plan to ensure all employees know how to respond in an emergency. 

• Use the right fire extinguisher – and ensure they are inspected – Make sure your premises have the appropriate fire extinguishers for different fire types and that they are regularly maintained. 

• Install and inspect fire doors – Fire doors help contain fires and protect escape routes, so installation and regular maintenance of workplace fire doors is crucial.  

• Educate employees – Provide fire safety training to ensure staff are aware of fire risks and know how to respond in an emergency. 

• Conduct regular fire drills – Schedule and execute fire drills to keep employees prepared and identify any weaknesses in your evacuation plan. 

• Test fire dampers – Fire dampers prevent the spread of fire through ventilation systems and should be tested regularly. 

• Implement passive fire protection – Ensure your work building’s structure incorporates fire-resistant materials and compartmentalisation to slow the spread of fire. 

• Schedule regular fire risk assessments – A comprehensive fire risk assessment should be carried out by a qualified professional to ensure compliance with regulations. 

From fire safety training and inspections to fire door installations and inspections, we offer a full range of fire safety services. Whether you need a fire risk assessment, employee training, a retrospective fire strategy or a damper inspection, FCS is here to help. 

Our data-driven approach provides clients with detailed photographic reports, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. We continuously explore technological advancements to make fire safety even more efficient and user-friendly. 

At FCS, safety is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re proud to be CHAS, Constructionline Gold and Safe Contractor accredited – showing our commitment to protecting people and workplaces every day. 

Next steps 

If World Day for Safety and Health at Work has inspired you to reassess your workplace’s health and safety measures – or if you want to learn more about fire risk management – contact us today.