Businesses unmindful of fire safety in their premises had better watch out! In a recent prosecution, Southampton-based ATS Euromaster has been fined £7,500 for not having proper fire safety measures in its workplace.

Fire Safety Officers from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services (HFRS) in a recent visit to the company’s premises found that ATS Euromaster had violated the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 by ignoring proper installation of fire safety measures.

It was found that there was a major obstruction in one fire exit of the building, and no proper lighting in another such exit. Alarm systems had not been installed and no proper risk assessment was carried out. Moreover, proper training on fire safety was not given to the manager.

The company faces individual penalties for each of these acts of negligence, with penalty amount ranging from £1,000 to £2,000.

According to Head of Community Safety for HFRS Steve Hamm, the case would make businesses and organizations seriously think about implementing fire safety measures within their premises. Hamm added that HFRS lays utmost importance to public safety, and that the organization believes that the recent prosecution will force companies to be more responsible towards the safety of their employees and comply with safety laws to avert any untoward incident caused by fire.

The company was sentenced by District Judge Callaway on 14 December. Prior to that, on 2 November, the company pleaded guilty to the charges brought against it at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

A spokesperson for ATS Euromaster stated that the company has had an excellent record of accomplishment with regard to health and safety policies. He added that it was quite unfortunate that flaws were detected by the inspectors within the premises. He was quick to add that the company took corrective measures immediately after contraventions of fire safety measures were detected.

Workplace Law Training & Consulting is equipped to provide professionally accredited training in key areas of workplace law and practice. Accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health to deliver internationally recognised health and safety courses; right from fire risk assessments to improving upon awareness and attitude, and communication about safety to improve the health and safety culture within an organisation.