Proper concern for fire safety and good staff training to reduce fire risks are essential pillars of safety at companies, as well as a reflection of their social responsibility. Practical training on how to respond to various types of fire outbreak, using more than 20 simulators, is being provided by a fire simulation vehicle that the Firefighting Association of Slovenia, supported by Zavarovalnica Triglav, uses to raise the awareness of the general public and company staff. Today and on Wednesday, staff at Novartis in Ljubljana and Mengeš, where fire safety is based on a high level of emergency preparedness, have been able to test out a number of scenarios and actions.
The fire simulation vehicle is continuing its journey of raising awareness at businesses, and has now been visited by more than 43,000 people at events across Slovenia. The simulators in this “travelling classroom” were used by staff at AquafilSLO in the middle of May, and by staff at Novartis in Mengeš and Ljubljana over the last two days. This collaboration with the Firefighting Association of Slovenia is allowing Zavarovalnica Triglav and its partner firms to uphold their commitment to social responsibility in practice. Backed by the right insurance, preventive action and knowing exactly what to do when an accident happens are the key to better safety.
This is something they are aware of at Novartis, where more than 4,300 people are hard at work developing and manufacturing innovative drugs. Because of the nature of the work, with its complex technological processes and substances, the pharmaceutical industry is potentially more exposed to the risk of fire, which is why they systematically invest in prevention-focused activities, staff training and the latest safety standards.
High emergency preparedness
“At Novartis, fire safety is based on carefully planned preventive measures, regular staff training and a high level of emergency preparedness,” explained Tina Duškov, senior expert in health, safety and the environment and head of fire safety at Novartis. “Every year we organise safety drills around the 50 buildings at our sites in Ljubljana and Mengeš, and have employees specially appointed and trained to respond first to any fire-related emergency that involves evacuation. There are also professional firefighting units stationed permanently at both sites. We also provide regular fire safety training to our workforce, along with practical educational content of various kinds.”
Twenty simulators for various fire scenarios
The Firefighting Association of Slovenia takes great pride in its new fire simulation vehicle, which is designed to educate the public about everyday safety. A one-of-a-kind innovation in this part of Europe, developed through local ingenuity and engineering expertise, and equipped with more than 20 simulators, the vehicle recreates various fire scenarios in a home setting. Zvonko Glažar, Commander of the Firefighting Association of Slovenia, said about the purpose and importance of the vehicle: “The mission of this vehicle – a true school on wheels, operated by trained volunteer firefighters – is to bring fire prevention knowledge back to local communities, teaching people how to act to prevent fires, and how to respond when an accident happens. The training programme and demonstrations are designed for people of all ages. The Firefighting Association of Slovenia and our firefighters are committed to teaching everyone how to live safely."
Fire prevention in business: why is it important?
Fires at industrial and commercial facilities make up a significant share of all building fires, several thousand of which happen in Slovenia each year. The most common causes are the improper use of electrical machinery and appliances, the incorrect storage of flammable substances, the spontaneous combustion of materials, and machinery and technological processes.
“Safety is based on the awareness of risks, the right knowledge and consistent prevention – at home, and also at work. It is important that employees don’t simply know the prescribed procedures, but know how to use them in practice, as our first reactions when a fire breaks out are usually key to limiting the consequences. Together with its partners, Zavarovalnica Triglav has for a number of years supported preventive programmes, expert debate, and projects like the fire simulation vehicle, which enhances the preparedness of individuals and organisations in an easy-to-understand and practical way. Companies that systematically invest in prevention strengthen the safety of their employees over the long term, reduce risks to their business and enhance their resilience to unforeseen events,” says Janko Šemrov, executive director of the corporate accounts division at Zavarovalnica Triglav.
Fires at businesses cause high financial losses, which can lead to work coming to a stop, and they pose a risk to staff and the environment. Businesses can insure their assets with Zavarovalnica Triglav against fire and other risks.
