A
pre-planned evacuation of several of London’s biggest theatres has grown in
significance after recent terrorist attacks and amid fears that the capital may
be at risk.
The
exercise, which also involves thousands of other organisations around the UK,
was originally planned to mark the European Week for Safety and Health, which
focuses on the prevention of accidents.
The
Ambassador group, which owns nine West End theatres, will ask customers and
employees to carry out timed evacuations after each performance throughout the
week beginning 15 October.
Ambassador
spokeswoman Maggie Webster explained, "Obviously it’s always important,
but in light of current events it has taken on much more relevance.
"The
evacuation procedures are constantly reviewed so we update things as a matter
of course. The system is rehearsed once a week with staff and once a year when
there’s an audience," she said.
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Statistics
from the HSE revealed that fatalities at work have risen by 34 per cent over
the past year, although non-fatal major injuries have dropped by 4.7 per cent.
