Health & Safety
West Midlands Fire Service is committed to achieving high standards of health and safety and compliance with health and safety law and regulations. It is concerned for the health and safety of its employees and others who may be affected by its activities, e.g. public, visitors, and contractors.
Firefighting is a risky occupation and the Service has many safe systems of work, supported by training and personal protective equipment (PPE), which minimise risks to Firefighters.
Safe systems of work are also in place for non-uniformed employees, visitors and contractors.
During the financial year 2007/2008, the Service reported 41 injuries to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations 1995, a decrease of 27% on the previous year. There were no fatal accidents. Six major injuries were reported to the HSE.
A total of 315 injuries were reported, a reduction of 8% on the previous year and the lowest level achieved.
No dangerous occurrences were reported. No prosecutions or enforcement action is pending against West Midlands Fire Service.
The Service is committed to achieving the targets for injury reduction set out in the Government's Revitalising Health and Safety strategy. It has set its own targets based on the Revitalising targets. The targets are monitored by the Brigade Health and Safety Committee.
West Midlands Fire Service consults with the Representative Bodies on health and safety through a health and safety committee structure and on a routine basis.
Further information is available from the Safety, Health and Environmental Team based at Fire Service Headquarters, Telephone 0121 380 6415 or e-mail Health.Safety@wmfs.net
