How to use a space heater safely in the workplace

Finding the right temperature to keep all employees comfortable throughout the winter months is a struggle all types of organizations face, from those with warehouse workers to office workers. As the cold weather continues, many employees utilize portable space heaters to help warm their areas and stay productive. However, when not used properly, these appliances can greatly increase the risk of a fire in the workplace. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that in 2018, structure fires resulted in $11.1 billion in property damage. Nationwide, civilian fire injuries occurred every 35 minutes. When space heaters are not used properly in the workplace, they can easily ignite nearby boxes, paper, flammable liquids, curtains, clothing and other combustible materials and cost a business thousands of dollars in damage — or worse, put the lives of their employees at risk.

Here are a few space heater safety tips all employees should keep in mind:

If a business is going to allow employees to use space heaters in the workplace, it’s recommended that they take the time to create a policy regarding their safe usage. While there are no federal rules that specifically prohibit employees from using them, there’s no doubt these appliances can compromise the safety of the workplace.

Brad Wilkins (Brad.Wilkins@amtrustgroup.com) is loss control manager at AmTrust, where he leads the special services team of AmTrust Loss Control, a dedicated unit that advances a service agenda designed to deliver positive loss control service outcomes for AmTrust policyholders and agents.   

 This post first appeared on AmTrust Financial’s blog and is republished here with the company’s consent. 

Related: 

• Keys to reducing soot dangers in gas fireplaces
• Fire prevention: 5 potential fire risks in your home
• State Farm: Top 10 states for cooking, grease fire losses