Workplace Fire Safety

Prevent workplace fires!

Share these safety tips to keep workers safe and businesses open.

Image of workers in an office interior.

A fire in an office or store can be devastating to a community.

In addition to potential deaths and property loss, people may lose their jobs, and the community may lose a vital service provided by the business.

Uncertainty caused by natural disasters or other events like COVID‑19 can also make the economic effect of a fire on a business much worse.

Some businesses may have a hard time recovering financially from a fire after being shut down for several weeks or months due to disasters or other events.

Photo of a woman wearing a facemask posting a sign that reads Sorry we're closed due to Covid 19

There were 16,500 office and store fires in the United States in 2020 that caused $932 million in direct property damage.

Cooking is the leading cause of office and store fires.

Leading causes of office and store fires (2020)
Cooking
29.4%
Intentional
11.2%
Electrical malfunction
9.3%
Other unintentional, careless
7.8%
Appliances
7.6%
Image of a stove gas burner.

Modern building design and fire codes protect most offices and stores from fire.

However, there are important fire safety practices that employees and employers should follow to help prevent workplace fires, keep workers safe, and keep offices and stores open.

Image of a fire sprinkler.

Many causes of office and store fires are the same as those for home fires. Prevention and escape planning recommendations are similar.

Photo of fire wreckage next to a damaged building.

Employees should:

  • Check for damaged or overloaded electrical outlets, cords and cables.
  • Keep anything that can burn away from electrical equipment.
  • Never leave portable heating devices unattended.
  • Keep workspace and equipment clean, dry and well ventilated.
  • Plan and practice multiple escape routes in case one is blocked.
  • Ensure windows can be opened and screens can be removed.
  • Remove any obstacles from exits.
Photo of a laptop on a desk.

Employers need to prepare for emergencies.

  • Ensure that all fire protection features are properly designed, installed and maintained.
  • Post clear fire escape plans on every level of a building.
  • Teach employees about exit locations, escape routes and fire protection equipment.
  • Check the condition of fire ladders and escapes.
  • Conduct regular emergency drills.
Photo of a hallway with a fire extinguisher and an emergency exit

If there is a fire, building workers should:

  • Call 911.
  • Notify co-workers of the fire.
  • Never use the elevator. Walk — don’t run — down the stairs.

If workers can't evacuate, they should:

  • Seal door gaps with jackets.
  • Wait at the window.
  • Remain calm.

For more information on fire safety in a variety of workplaces, visit www.osha.gov

Photo of people meeting in an office.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Seal
U.S. Fire Administration Logo
TopBuilt with Shorthand