Sometimes, being right doesn’t feel like a win. In our line of work, where the stakes are as high as fire safety, success isn’t just about completing a project—it’s about preventing the worst from happening. Sometimes, we anticipate potential risks only to watch as they unfold exactly as feared, leaving us with a bitter sense of “I told you so” that brings little satisfaction.
A New Opportunity, a Growing Concern
Last year, following a successful fire-stopping and fire door project, a client offered us another opportunity. But this time, things felt different. Procurement took the lead on the tender, focusing more on cost and logistical details than on safety implications. As I reviewed the tender, my concerns grew. I saw that some of their proposed choices might actually increase the fire risk instead of reducing it, turning well-meaning intentions into dangerous oversights.
Voicing Concerns in the Face of Opposition
So, I raised my concerns. Using scientific data and industry standards, I outlined my rationale, hoping to convey the seriousness of the issues. While my client contact understood and trusted my perspective, the procurement team remained unmoved. My concerns, it seemed, were less persuasive against the streamlined, cost-focused approach.
Reality Strikes: A Tough Lesson Learned
Fast forward to last week. My client contact reached out to one of my sales managers to discuss potential work at another site. During the conversation, he confided that the project had turned out to be the most challenging one he’d ever managed. Unfortunately, my warnings seemed to have come true, and it was one of those moments when I wished I hadn’t been right. Then, just yesterday, a fire broke out on the site we had concerns about. The building was lost. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but the damage—both physical and emotional—was immense.
The Importance of Listening to Expertise
This experience is a somber reminder that, in fire safety, every choice and recommendation matters. When a critical voice goes unheard or when decisions are guided by cost over safety, the results can be tragic. It’s a tough lesson for all involved. My hope is that, moving forward, the importance of listening to the expertise of those on the ground—those who are genuinely invested in safety—will become a non-negotiable priority
Why We Do What We Do
For those of us working in this field, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do, even when being “right” feels far from rewarding.
If you have any questions or would like advise get in touch with us here.
