Firefighting as an occupation poses significant inherent risks. The safety of our firefighters attending an emergency incident is a top priority and that is why a raft of measures are put in place to mitigate such risks, including the provision of specialised intensive training and personal protective equipment (PPE).
The vehicles and equipment that we provide for our people is second to none and we actively investigate and develop new types of fire engines and specialist equipment, to control the risks that our firefighters are called upon to face every day in the workplace.
We have tried and tested procedures and management systems in place to help safeguard our workforce and the local communities they interact with and we have a dedicated Health, Safety and Environment Team to offer specialist support and guidance.
Pre planning for emergency response at key sites is facilitated through our dedicated site risk identification system. This helps to control the risks posed to firefighters at hazardous or complex locations by making them aware of potential operational risks (such as the presence of dangerous substances) before they attend emergency incidents.
Firefighters identify potentially hazardous locations in their area and carry out a familiarisation visit and a risk survey where necessary, this is called Site Risk Identification
As well as the implicit risk posed by firefighting, firefighters can also be exposed to deliberate acts by certain members of the community. Last year our firefighters experienced over 70 incidents of violence against them which varied from offensive language or spitting, to physical acts of violence. These risks can also be reduced by, for example, working with communities to enhance understanding of the important role firefighters play in saving lives and protecting the community, as well as the provision of CCTV on our fire engines to help reduce instances of violence.
We also adopt an aggressive stance of pursing offenders in collaboration with the Police where appropriate, to bring such people to justice.
For more information about violence against firefighters please click here.
