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.
Attending fires and other emergency incidents is a risky occupation and West Midlands Fire Service has many safe systems of work in place, supported by training and personal protective equipment (PPE), which minimises the risks to Firefighters and other staff who attend.
Safe systems of work are also in place for non-uniformed employees, visitors and contractors.
During the financial year April 2009 to March 2010, a total of 238 injuries were reported to the Safety, Health and Environmental Team relating to our activity during this period. This was a slight increase on the previous year (224) but is still one of the lowest levels achieved.
Of the 238 injuries, the Service reported 16 injuries to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). This was a significant reduction on the previous year (30). There were no fatal accidents. The RIDDOR figure was the lowest level achieved by West Midlands Fire Service.
Of the 16 RIDDOR injuries, one was classed as a major injury.
No dangerous occurrences were reported.
No health and safety prosecutions or enforcement action is pending against West Midlands Fire Service.
The Service has achieved the targets for injury reduction set out in the government’s Revitalising Health and Safety strategy. In 2000, the government targeted a 10% reduction in injuries by 2010. The following table summarises the target and our achievement.
| 2000 Performance | 2010 Target | 2009/2010 Performance | |
| Total Injuries | 400 | 360 | 238 |
| RIDDOR Injuries | 60 | 54 | 16 |
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. It has agreed a protocol for the joint investigation of any serious injuries or health and safety events.
In recognition of its health and safety performance, West Midlands Fire Service has received a Sector Award (Emergency Services Sector) from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). RoSPA run an annual national health and safety awards scheme.
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).
