Introduction to Fire Safety Management

4.3.1 Accident/incident 
occurrence 
and 
reporting rates
The most obvious implication to draw from accident/
incident rates or the number of fi res or false alarms is 
that if they are going up period on period it is likely that 
there is a negative culture. However, it is important to 
consider, not only the numbers of these safety events, 
but also the seriousness of the outcomes. If it is the 
case that there are many reports of personal injury acci-
dents but the injuries sustained are negligible, it may 
In his report on the Ladbroke Grove rail 
enquiry Lord Cullen stated: ‘A key factor in 
the industry is the prevailing culture, of which 
safety culture is an integral part. There is a 
clear link between good safety and good 
business’. He then went on to quote in sub-
mission of the HSE: ‘. . . the need for a posi-
tive safety culture is the most fundamental 
brought before the Inquiry’.
If an organisation can create and sustain a positive safety 
culture each and every member of staff will be compe-
tent and committed to work safely, and business and 
Benefi ts to the
Less time lost through accidents
organisation
Reduced risk of civil claims for 
compensation
Reduced risk of enforcement action
Enhanced company image
Greater 
effi ciency
Less production downtime
Minimised insurance premiums
Having a competent and committed 
workforce
Making better quality decisions as a result 
of involving the workforce
Benefi ts to the
Less risk of injury
individual
Less risk to work-related ill health
Less risk of work-related stress
Increased chances of continued 
employment
Working for a competent and committed 
team with competent and committed 
management
Being clear and confi dent about what is 
expected from management
Increased job satisfaction from being 
empowered to contribute to safety 
management
Table 4.1
The benefi ts of a positive safety culture

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