Hesperian Health Guides

Chapter 11: Fire

In this chapter:

Fires are serious and often deadly for workers in factories and dormitories, and workers who do factory work at home. Of the many dangers workers face, fire is one that can easily be prevented, or contained and extinguished when it does happen. Most countries have laws that require employers to provide fire safety in their workplaces. Even though it is not very expensive for employers to comply, many factory owners continue to violate fire safety laws and put workers’ lives at risk.

women at sewing machines in a factory where a man is smoking a cigarette; arrows point to danger areas.
locked exit
exposed wires and extension cords
smoking near burnable materials
burnable materials and chemicals
aisle and door blocked
This factory has many problems that make fire a serious danger.


This page was updated:05 Jan 2024