Evalu-8 has been featured in IOSH Magazine, discussing the importance of emergency planning following a major industrial fire in Essex.
The article, titled “What the Essex industrial fire can teach us about emergency planning”, was published on 29 July 2026 after a fire at Highlands Farm resulted in an explosion and 20 firefighters being taken to hospital.
The incident raised concerns about how businesses prepare for emergencies, particularly at sites where hazardous substances are stored and conditions can change quickly.
The article discusses why having an evacuation plan isn’t always enough. Businesses also need to consider whether their safety records are accurate, employees understand emergency procedures and important information can be accessed quickly when an incident occurs.
Another concern is how frequently businesses review their emergency arrangements. Changes to site layouts, the storage of hazardous materials or the introduction of new equipment can affect existing risk assessments and procedures. Without regular reviews, important information may become outdated.
Emergency drills are also important, giving employees the opportunity to practise their responsibilities and helping managers identify anything that might cause problems during a real incident.
For businesses managing hazardous substances, keeping COSHH assessments, risk assessments and emergency documentation organised can make a difference when information is urgently needed.
Evalu-8 EHS provides businesses with a central system for managing safety records, risk assessments, COSHH documentation and corrective actions, helping teams maintain accurate information and keep track of workplace safety requirements.
Read the full article in IOSH Magazine:
What the Essex industrial fire can teach us about emergency planning