Emmitsburg, Md. -- The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have begun a partnership initiative to identify and examine types of individual and organizational behaviors that adversely impact firefighter health and safety and develop sound strategies and programs based on the study's findings. The IAFC’s Safety, Health and Survival (SHS) Section will help coordinate this effort.
“This study will promote a stronger health and safety culture in the fire service – advocating organizational leadership and personal responsibility to reduce on-duty fatalities and injuries,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell. “USFA is excited about this opportunity to work with the IAFC and its SHS Section on this research effort.”
This project would assist in the support and advocacy for the need of a culture change in the fire service, incorporating organizational leadership and personal responsibility. The study will support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Life Safety Initiative #1: Define and advocate the need for a cultural change within the fire service relating to safety; incorporating leadership, management, supervision, accountability and personal responsibility.
“There's a fundamental need for this type of research that will promote positive behaviors and effectively lead to the further reduction of firefighter fatalities and injuries,” said IAFC President and Chairman of the Board Chief Hank Clemmensen. “The IAFC is pleased to partner with USFA in this effort.”
Further information on USFA's firefighter research initiatives may be found on the USFA website.