The fire simulation vehicle is continuing its journey of raising awareness at businesses, and has now been visited by more than 40,000 people at events across Slovenia. 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.
There is full awareness of this at AquafilSLO, which is a focal point of innovative technology for transforming waste material into new fibres for clothing, textile flooring, and interior equipment. As part of their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, they prioritise the health and safety of their workforce of almost 700, and working with the local community.
A volunteer industrial fire service operates at the factory
In addition to carrying out technical measures for fire safety and prevention, AquafilSLO also ensure that their staff receive continual training. A volunteer industrial fire service with trained firefighters has been in operation at their largest factory in Ljubljana for nine years now. In every department on every shift there is at least one person specially trained in extinguishing fires and evacuation, and their theoretical and practical knowledge is updated regularly. In the spirit of maintaining solid links with the local community, they liaise with firefighting organisations in all four locations that are home to their business units.
“Workshops with the mobile fire simulation trainer are an exceptional opportunity for raising awareness of the fire risks we face at work and in the home. Under the guidance of the instructors, the fire simulators provide invaluable live drills, which is why we invited all employees on the morning shift to take part. We firmly believe it’s well-trained employees who make the greatest contribution of all to a safe and stable work environment. The project we’re running together with Zavarovalnica Triglav and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an example of best practice in the area of social responsibility. Similarly to our sustainability efforts, here again the greatest effects are achieved by bringing together various stakeholders united by a common goal,” explains Denis Jahić, general manager of AquafilSLO.
20 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. Together with its partners, Zavarovalnica Triglav has for a number of years now supported preventive programmes, expert debate, and projects like the fire simulation vehicle. By raising awareness and taking specific measures, we’re actively contributing to improved fire safety at businesses, and encouraging investment in prevention. This means not only better safety for workers, but also, with the right insurance, better long-term stability in the business and lower risk to the local environment,” reiterates Janko Šemrov, executive director of corporate insurance 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.
