More than a third of British workers say their safety at work is compromised by insufficient office safety equipment, raising risk issues for employers, according to research by Accenture HR Services.

The survey of nearly 500 full-time and part-time UK office workers also found that more than one in three workers said they would take legal action against their employers if they had an accident at work. The research shows that this trend is set to grow, as younger employees are more likely than older workers to sue their employers after a workplace accident.

David Clinton, CEO, Accenture HR Services, said the findings should send a clear warning to employers. In spring 2004, a change in legislation will lay the onus for conducting fire risk assessments on employers, not local fire authorities. The impact on employers could be significant, as insurers are likely to demand proof that risk assessments have been carried out.

Less than half of workers surveyed having participated in fire drills in the last three months, and more than a third saying they do not understand how to use existing fire safety equipment in their workplaces.

“This culture of complacency could present a serious financial burden for British companies if it remains unchecked,” said Clinton. “Unfortunately, employers tend to look toward safety policies and procedures after an accident. However, safety needs to be about prevention, not just a cure.”

The research also found that in an emergency, more than three-quarters of female workers said they would stop to take their handbags with them when evacuating a building and a quarter of men said they would stop to take their mobile phones in an emergency.