fire-safety statistic or enforcement notice trend and what it means for SMEs

Enforcement action against UK businesses is rising, with fire authorities increasingly issuing formal notices for inadequate fire-risk assessments. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the ‘responsible person’ must ensure a comprehensive assessment is in place. For SMEs, this means generic, tick-box templates are no longer sufficient if they fail to address specific premises risks. Inspectors expect evidence of a review following PAS 79 methodology, ensuring all hazards are identified and mitigated. Responsible persons in shops, offices, and factories must prioritise updating their safety documentation to avoid prohibition notices that can halt operations. Proactive management now is far more cost-effective than reactive enforcement later. General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises. — HawkSwift FRA News