Why Is January the Perfect Month to Update Your Fire Risk Assessment?

The start of a new year is the ideal time for businesses to take stock, set goals, and plan ahead. While many focus on sales targets or operational improvements, fire safety should never be overlooked. One of the most effective ways to strengthen your workplace safety is by updating your fire risk assessment—and January is the perfect time to do it.

A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and it forms the backbone of your fire safety strategy. It highlights hazards, identifies who might be at risk, and sets out the measures needed to keep people safe. But why should you prioritise this task at the start of the year? Let’s take a closer look.

A Fresh Start for Compliance

January symbolises a fresh start, making it a natural time to ensure your fire safety measures are fully compliant. Regulations evolve, and businesses often undergo changes that impact fire safety, such as:

  • New staff or increased occupancy levels.

  • Office renovations or layout changes.

  • Additional machinery or electrical equipment.

  • Shifts in how the building is used.

By updating your fire risk assessment in January, you can address these changes proactively and begin the year on the right side of compliance.

Identify Seasonal Risks

The winter months bring their own fire hazards. Heaters, overloaded electrical systems, and festive decorations from December may still be present in the workplace. January is the ideal time to review these seasonal risks and ensure they’ve been properly managed or removed.

Checking now can help you:

  • Confirm heaters are being used safely and stored correctly.

  • Inspect electrical sockets and extension leads for damage.

  • Remove any leftover decorations or flammable materials.

Addressing these seasonal risks early in the year can prevent potential incidents later on.

Align Fire Safety with New Business Goals

Many businesses set strategic goals in January—whether that’s expansion, refurbishment, or hiring new staff. Updating your fire risk assessment alongside these plans ensures that safety keeps pace with growth.

For example:

  • Expanding your workforce? Ensure escape routes and assembly points can accommodate more people.

  • Adding new equipment? Confirm that you have the correct extinguishers for the risks involved.

  • Refurbishing office spaces? Update evacuation plans and signage to reflect new layouts.

Incorporating fire safety into your annual planning shows foresight and responsibility.

Reinforce Staff Awareness

January is also a great time to re-engage employees with fire safety. Many staff return from holidays refreshed and ready for the year ahead, making it the perfect opportunity to:

  • Share updates from the revised fire risk assessment.

  • Remind staff of evacuation routes and assembly points.

  • Schedule refresher training or nominate new fire wardens.

By embedding fire safety into your New Year communications, you set a positive tone and keep awareness high.

Keep Records Up to Date

Clear documentation is essential for compliance. Updating your fire risk assessment in January ensures your records are current and easy to track throughout the year. This makes it simple to:

  • Demonstrate compliance during inspections or audits.

  • Provide insurers with evidence of proactive risk management.

  • Schedule follow-up actions or equipment servicing with clarity.

Starting the year with updated documentation avoids confusion later on and strengthens your overall fire safety strategy.

Benefit from a Proactive Approach

Too often, businesses only update their fire risk assessments after an incident or inspection. By making it a New Year priority, you take a proactive approach that reduces risk, protects staff, and saves time and money in the long run.

Regular reviews don’t just help with compliance—they can highlight small issues before they become major problems. From blocked fire exits to outdated extinguishers, these details matter when it comes to safety.

Partner with Fire Safety Experts

Updating your fire risk assessment doesn’t have to be complicated. Professional support ensures nothing is missed and that your plan fully meets the legal requirements. At Fire Extinguisher Maintenance, we work with businesses across the UK to provide expert fire safety services, including extinguisher servicing and guidance on compliance.

Conclusion: Start the Year Safely

January is more than just the first month of the year—it’s the perfect moment to reset, refresh, and review your fire safety strategy. By updating your fire risk assessment now, you can ensure compliance, manage seasonal hazards, align with business goals, and reinforce staff awareness from day one.

Make fire safety your first resolution this year. For professional support with your fire extinguisher servicing and fire safety needs, call Fire Extinguisher Maintenance on 0330 133 0380.