;%20}%20%3c/style%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clippath'%3e%3crect%20class='cls-2'%20width='18.58'%20height='19'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3cg%20id='Layer_2-2'%20data-name='Layer_2'%3e%3cg%20id='Layer_1-2'%3e%3cg%20class='cls-3'%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-1'%20d='M11.06,8.04L17.98,0h-1.64l-6.01,6.98L5.53,0H0l7.25,10.56L0,18.99h1.64l6.34-7.37,5.07,7.37h5.53l-7.52-10.95h0ZM8.81,10.65l-.74-1.05L2.23,1.23h2.52l4.72,6.75.73,1.05,6.14,8.78h-2.52l-5.01-7.16h0Z'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fire services
A snapshot of how people employed in fire services get injured at work, and tips to help prevent these types of injuries from occurring.
Injury Hotspot skeleton diagram, text information below.
Hazards
- Hazard 1Dragging hose
- Continually review hose reel equipment and provide regular training in correct hose handling techniques.
- Ensure there are sufficient personnel to safely undertake the task.
- Hazard 2Heavy lifting and pushing / pulling objects
- Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (for example, equipment that is lightweight, mechanical aids that minimise overexertion).
- Ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- Position heavier items at accessible heights.
- Train employees and contractors in the selection and use of any aids and equipment and safe handling methods, including how to use any risk controls. Provide refresher training if any changes are made.
- Conduct post-injury follow ups on all reported injuries from hazardous manual handling.
- Use registers to identify ongoing maintenance requirements for vehicles and equipment.
- Hazard 3Noise
- Ensure employees and contractors are not exposed to noise that exceeds the exposure standard (regulations in Victoria limit exposure to 85 decibels (dB) averaged over an 8-hour period with a maximum (peak) noise level of 140 dB). An example of this level of noise is where employees and contractors have to raise their voices to communicate over a distance of one metre.
- Arrange for a noise assessment if employees and contractors are exposed to noise that exceeds the exposure standard or where there is uncertainty about whether their exposure may have exceeded the noise exposure standard.
- First try to eliminate and then reduce the source of noise wherever possible. For example, use noise insulated equipment such as silence compressors, and separate workers from noisy activities.
- Warn other employees and contractors nearby that you will be beginning noisy work and advise them to move away or wear hearing protection.
- Provide employees and contractors with the appropriate type of hearing protection by considering the nature of the noise, noise level, duration of noise and systems of work at the workplace, and ensure it is worn at all times.
- Provide employees and contractors with audiometric testing.
- Hazard 4Physical training / running
- Ensure training packages are designed and conducted by accredited fitness personnel, and programs are tailored for individual requirements.
- Ensure ongoing medical monitoring and fitness assessments are provided to all operational personnel.
- Conduct health/wellbeing sessions to help personnel develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Hazard 5Psychosocial
- Psychosocial hazards are factors in the design or management of work that increase the risk of psychological or physical harm. Examples include:
- work-related violence
- work-related fatigue
- workplace bullying
- work-related gendered violence including sexual harassment
- violent or traumatic events
- remote and isolated work
- high and low job demands
- low job control
- poor support.
- Ensure systems are in place to identify, assess and control risks to psychological health in consultation with employees and contractors, contractors and any HSRs. Systems should include processes for regularly reviewing and revising risk control measures to ensure effectiveness.
- Consider the design and management of work. For example:
- Are employee and contractor tasks appropriate for skill level and experience?
- Do employees and contractors have adequate training, resources and support?
- Is workload allocated to ensure it is reasonable and appropriate to skillset?
- Do employees and contractors have clear roles and reporting lines?
- Ensure systems are in place for employees and contractors to report psychosocial hazards and risks. Employees and contractors should be confident their concerns will be addressed in a fair and timely manner.
- Provide employees and contractors with adequate support. For example, supervisory support, peer support and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
- Psychosocial hazards are factors in the design or management of work that increase the risk of psychological or physical harm. Examples include:
- Hazard 6Repetitive tasks (including entering / exiting trucks)
- Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (for example, equipment that is designed and positioned to minimise reaching and awkward postures).
- Ensure mechanical aids and equipment are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- Ensure truck fittings are positioned to eliminate unnecessary climbing, and have adequate steps with sufficient footing.
- Provide adequate lighting on the fire ground (for example, in cabin, for steps and pump panel).
- Ensure employees and contractors use three points of contact to get in and out of vehicles.
- Ensure employees and contractors are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods. For example:
- use job rotation
- work variation
- provide sit-stand stools and anti-fatigue mats.
- Ensure employees and contractors are not exposed to work that requires a significant amount of high force for long periods.
- Hazard 7Slips trips and falls
- Regularly tidy and remove clutter so it does not accumulate.
- Ensure floor surfaces in work areas are:
- level
- non-slip or slip-resistant
- kept dry and clear of obstructions.
- Ensure that all personnel maintain safe movement methods on the fire ground.
- Conduct regular workplace inspections and report/remove any identified slip, trip and fall hazards.
Information for emergency services
Health and safety information for emergency services industry workers including firefighters, ambulance and police officers.