Nearly half of all motor traders are unaware of the requirements needed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order for a risk assessment at their business.

The warning comes following research from the insurer that 49% of the 271 businesses it surveyed are unaware of the requirements needed of them, with over one third of firms failing to carry out fire risk assessments.

Phil Grace, liability risk manager for Norwich Union, said: “A fire risk assessment will not only identify risks to those working within the business, but also to members of the public or visitors to the premises.

“Not only is it a legal requirement, but lives, property and business resilience depend on it.”

To download Norwich Union’s guide on fire assessment, which is part of its Simply Safety campaign, click here.

Norwich Union is also doing a one day course on how to conduct a fire risk assessment.