Labour Research November 2017

Health & Safety Matters

Fire safety inspectors


Fire services have lost over a quarter (28%) of their fire safety inspectors since 2010, according to the FBU firefighters’ union. The union used Freedom of Information requests to compile new figures. 


It says that the inspectors are responsible for ensuring that communal buildings and public spaces meet fire safety standards and have played an important role in the long-term reduction of serious fires. 


It adds that the “staggering” drop in their numbers is a risk to public safety. “Grenfell Tower has underlined the importance of fire safety in buildings,” said FBU general secretary Matt Wrack. 


“The drastic cut in fire safety inspectors makes it much more difficult for those remaining to do their job effectively. 


“The government needs to wake up to what endless budget cuts have done to the lifesaving fire services.”

https://www.fbu.org.uk/news/2017/10/12/almost-third-fire-safety-inspectors-cut-report-reveals