Does Your Business Really Need a Fire Suppression System?
It doesn’t matter what specific line of work you may be in: when you own or manage a business, prioritizing the safety of all customers, employees, and anyone else on the premises should be one of your top priorities.
However, you may be wondering how to specifically do so. After all, there are many potential hazards that could injure or even take the life of someone on your business’ property. Which essential steps should you take to ensure you’re being a responsible business owner who guards against accidents thoroughly?
There isn’t necessarily a universal answer to this question. To some degree, the nature of your business should influence your approach to safety. The hazards present at a construction site may not be present at an office, for instance. You need to account for your business’ setting and the type of work you do when establishing safety systems and protocols.
That said, there are some general safety tips that apply to virtually all businesses. For example, perhaps you’re trying to determine whether installing a new fire suppression system in your workplace is necessary.
Strongly consider doing so. True, the risk of fire may be greater at some businesses than others, but regardless, any workplace is safer when effective fire safety equipment is installed. By setting up a modern fire suppression system, you’ll benefit in the following key ways:
Avoiding accidents
Let’s address an obvious point first: when your workplace is equipped with fire safety equipment, there’s a much lower risk of employees or customers being harmed in a fire.
You don’t want someone to be injured or lose their life in an avoidable tragedy because you failed to keep them safe. Keep in mind, preventing injury or death on your property is its own major benefit. However, it also yields additional benefits, such as reducing the odds of your business being the target of a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
This highlights one reason to not hesitate if you’re thinking you shouldn’t install new fire suppression equipment until you can more easily justify the cost of doing so. A fire suppression system can actually save your business quite a lot of money in the long run.
Potential tax and/or insurance rate brakes
Guarding against claims and lawsuits is just one way fire suppression equipment can help your business save money. In some instances, businesses also qualify for tax breaks when their owners install modern safety systems.
Are you currently paying for insurance to cover potential damage to your business’ property or injury to your workers? If so, it’s possible insurers will offer reduced rates if you prioritize fire safety as well. Remember, to run a successful business, you must be aware that saving money is arguably as important as earning it.
Boosting engagement
When employees are engaged with their work, they’re more productive and less likely to look for other jobs. Thus, a high level of employee engagement can give your business a competitive edge and reduce how much money it loses due to a high turnover rate.
One oft-overlooked way of boosting employee engagement involves boosting employee safety. Research has shown that employees tend to be more engaged when they don’t have to worry about their safety at work, and they’re more loyal to business owners who take steps to protect them from harm. It’s also been shown that engaged employees are less likely to accidentally cause harm to themselves or others, as they’re more alert and focused. This reduces their odds of ignoring hazards.
These are all reasons your business needs a strong fire suppression system. Just keep in mind that there are several types from which to choose. Review your options to ensure you’re choosing the right system for your needs and workplace.
