Fire services

A snapshot of how people employed in the fire services industry get injured at work, and tips to help prevent these types of injuries from occurring.

Injury hotspots pages contain helpful information for

training and induction materials
occupational health and safety content
preventing injuries in the workplace.

Fire services

Hazards

Hazard 1
Dragging 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 2
Heavy 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 3
Noise
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 4
Physical 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 5
Psychosocial
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).
Hazard 6
Repetitive 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 7
Slips 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 about common injuries

By highlighting the areas on the body where workers in their industry are likely to get injured, users are encouraged to click within the interactive graphic to reveal the most common causes of those injuries.

Injury hotspots then list the leading hazards in each industry or occupation, along with tips to help address those hazards.

Putting injury hotspots into action

Injury hotspots is a quick and easy tool that people can use for:

improving general safety awareness
training and induction materials
promoting occupational health and safety programs
preventing injuries in the workplace.

Injury hotspots disclaimer

This information does not give rise to any liability of, or claim against, WorkSafe Victoria. It does not give rise to any right, expectation, duty or obligation that a person may not otherwise have. It does not give rise to any defence that would not otherwise be available to a person.

This information does not affect the operation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017.

Please note these injuries and hazards are based on historical claims data. There may also be new common injuries and hazards emerging at your workplace which will need to be addressed.

Fire services

Injury hotspots pages contain helpful information for

Fire services

Hazards

Dragging hose

Heavy lifting and pushing / pulling objects

Noise

Physical training / running

Psychosocial

Repetitive tasks (including entering / exiting trucks)

Slips trips and falls

Information about common injuries

Putting injury hotspots into action

Injury hotspots disclaimer

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