BUSINESSES will be given free safety messages next month when most are recruiting staff for seasonal work.

During the Chief Fire Officers Association’s (CFOA’s) UK Business Safety Week from September 5 to September 11, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will hand out advice to new recruits.

New staff may not have the same level of fire safety training as permanent members of staff, and may not be aware of the steps needed to protect themselves, their customers and colleagues.

The fire service believes this is a good opportunity to remind employers of the need to review fire risk assessments and training and make sure existing staff know the importance of fire safety.

York Press:

Paul Hancock, CFOA president, said: “Business Safety Week is a reminder to businesses that fire and rescue services are here to offer advice and help on making the workplace safe from fire.

“We ask employers to make this a priority by contacting us if they haven’t addressed fire safety, reviewing arrangements and training staff regularly.

“Not complying with the law can lead to financial penalties or, if the worst happens, loss of livelihoods and lives.”

Drop in sessions will take place from Monday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm, at York Fire Station and Harrogate Fire Station for businesses wanting fire safety advice A session will also take place at Settle library on September 6 from 11am to noon.

The emergency service said fire can cause major disruption for businesses and there is a far greater chance of recovery if risks have been identified, and appropriate arrangements have been put in place to prevent fires starting, or to mitigate their impact.

For more information: www.northyorksfire.gov.uk