As the New Year approaches, many businesses take time to reflect, refocus, and prepare for the year ahead. While it’s easy to get caught up in planning, budgeting, and new initiatives, one crucial area that’s often overlooked is fire safety — specifically, your fire risk assessment.
Whether you manage an office, retail unit, warehouse, or industrial site, a professional fire risk assessment is more than a legal obligation. It’s a proactive step towards protecting your staff, customers, property, and reputation.
At Morgan Fire Protection, we’ve been helping businesses across the UK stay compliant and protected for over 30 years. In this article, we explain what a fire risk assessment involves, why it matters now more than ever, and how starting the year with a professional assessment can save you time, money, and stress down the line.
What is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a structured review of your premises to identify potential fire hazards, evaluate the risk of a fire starting, and determine how people on the premises would be kept safe in the event of a fire.
It involves:
-
Identifying potential fire hazards (e.g. electrical equipment, flammable materials)
-
Determining who could be at risk (staff, visitors, contractors, etc.)
-
Evaluating existing fire safety measures (alarms, extinguishers, signage, evacuation procedures)
-
Recommending actions to reduce or remove risks
-
Recording findings and reviewing them regularly
By law, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all UK businesses must carry out a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date. If you employ five or more people, the findings must also be documented.
Why Now is the Right Time for a Review
The beginning of the year is the ideal time to review your fire risk strategy for several reasons:
1. Changes to the Workplace
After a busy end to the year, many businesses undergo changes — new layouts, new equipment, or even new premises. Any change in how your building is used or configured can affect fire safety.
A professional fire risk assessment ensures:
-
Escape routes remain accessible and clear
-
Fire extinguishers and alarms are still correctly positioned
-
New staff are accounted for in evacuation planning
2. Staff Turnover and Training Gaps
December often brings staff changes, with new starters arriving and others moving on. This can create gaps in fire marshal coverage or staff awareness.
An assessment gives you a chance to:
-
Review your fire safety roles and responsibilities
-
Schedule updated fire safety training
-
Ensure your team is prepared in the event of an emergency
3. Post-Holiday Oversights
After the festive season, decorations, temporary equipment, or storage changes can introduce new fire risks — especially if they’re left in place after the holidays. A thorough inspection helps to flag any lingering hazards.
The Risks of Skipping or Delaying a Fire Risk Assessment
Failing to carry out a valid and up-to-date fire risk assessment can have serious consequences:
-
Legal penalties — Non-compliance can result in enforcement notices, fines, or even prosecution
-
Invalidated insurance — Insurers may refuse claims if there’s no evidence of a current risk assessment
-
Increased danger to life and property — Undetected hazards could escalate quickly in the event of a fire
-
Reputation damage — If your business is seen to have neglected safety, it can impact staff morale, stakeholder trust, and public perception
What Does a Professional Fire Risk Assessment Involve?
At Morgan Fire, our qualified assessors carry out comprehensive fire risk assessments tailored to your building, your operations, and your responsibilities as a business owner or premises manager.
Our process typically includes:
-
Initial Consultation – We discuss your building type, operations, and any known concerns.
-
On-Site Inspection – We conduct a detailed walk-through to assess hazards, safety systems, and escape routes.
-
Review of Documentation – We check existing safety policies, alarm records, maintenance logs, and training procedures.
-
Risk Evaluation and Action Plan – You receive a clear, jargon-free report with practical recommendations.
-
Follow-Up Support – We’re available to help implement improvements and ensure ongoing compliance.
Benefits of a Professional Service
While it’s possible for a “responsible person” within your company to carry out an assessment, using a professional fire safety company brings added benefits:
-
Expert knowledge of current legislation and best practice
-
Unbiased identification of risks
-
Clear, compliant documentation for audits or inspections
-
Peace of mind that nothing has been overlooked
When you choose Morgan Fire, you’re choosing trusted expertise from a BAFE-accredited company with decades of experience in commercial fire safety.
Start the Year the Right Way
New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for personal goals — they’re a perfect opportunity to make your business safer, stronger, and better prepared for the future.
A professional fire risk assessment is a simple, cost-effective step that brings long-term benefits. It protects your people, meets your legal duties, and gives you confidence in your fire safety strategy for the year ahead.
Book your fire risk assessment with Morgan Fire today
Call us to arrange a consultation or request a no-obligation quote.
