Concern over survey findings

One in two companies is under prepared for evacuations in the workplace and wheelchair users and the mobility-impaired are most at risk from being unable to make a safe escape, according to a survey by evacuation specialists, Evac+Chair International.

The survey of 100 HR directors and managers, who are responsible for the safety of their employees, reported that 35% said that wheel-chair users or mobility-impaired employees within their company did not have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, required in accordance with fire safety legislation. Some 51% of companies possess the necessary equipment to assist disabled and mobility-impaired employees in an evacuation, and fewer than 15% of the companies with equipment use it during emergency evacuation drills.

Mark Wallace, MD of Evac+Chair International, said: "This survey shows that many employers in the UK still make inadequate provision for disabled staff and this needs to be urgently addressed."