CFOA Health Safety Practitioners Conference Ensuring Firefighter Safety

CFOA Health & Safety Practitioners’ Conference Ensuring Firefighter Safety through Incident Command 20 th September 2007

Vehicle Accidents

Personal Injury Accidents

Current Procedures: Proportionate Risk ICS DRA GRA The safe person concept } Operational tactics

Safe Person Concept -Organizational responsibilities selection Systems of work & supervision Training & instruction information PPE & equipment

Safe Person Concept -Personal responsibilities competent Recognise limitations Vigilant for self & others Effective team member Self disciplined & adaptable

Effective implementation of Incident Command System – How?

Effective implementation of Dynamic Risk assessment. How?

Evaluate the situation Apply tactical mode Select systems of work Review Are the risks proportional to the benefits? YES Tactical Control Additional control measures be introduced? Re-assess systems of work NO

Heinrich’s Accident Pyramid 1 Disabling 30 Minor Injuries 300 No injury

The ‘Swiss cheese’ model of accident prevention and causation

Minor Injuries: - W/T 64% R/T 33% Major Injuries: - W/T 32% R/T 64%

In the Fire Service, serious accidents will occur when: • Training is weak • Operational procedures have not been applied • Emergency procedures have not been considered • There is a disproportionate sense of urgency to complete the task • Supervisory command & control is passive

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Preventing Protecting Responding