Record fine for fire safety breaches; the shape of things to come?

Private healthcare provider Bupa has been ordered to pay a purported record £1.04 million penalty (fine and costs combined) after admitting fire safety failings.

London Fire Brigade, prosecuting, said it was the “highest ever fine for fire safety breaches in the UK, [highlighting] the seriousness of Bupa’s failure to protect a vulnerable resident in its care.”

The care home environment presents unique challenges, and is one in which the consequences of getting fire safety wrong are potentially catastrophic. Even in the absence of significant human cost, the financial costs associated with a breach of regulations can have a major impact on businesses. The reputational cost might be more serious still. In this article, Shoosmiths consider the potential costs of failing to discharge fire safety duties; both within the care sector and beyond. You can read the full article here.