Safety & Health News

COVID Vaccine by Novavax is Approved

July 23, 2022

The CDC followed the recommendation of the FDA and endorsed the use of the Novavax COVID vaccine for primary series prevention in adults ages 18 and older. read more

Firefighter Physicals: Where Are We Now?

April 3, 2017

Three years ago, the SHS Section decided to take on the proverbial 800-pound elephant: mandatory annual medical evaluations for all firefighters. Here’s a snapshot of the progress we’ve made to date. read more
Safety & Health: Research and Innovation

April 3, 2017

The fire service is perceived by many as slow to evolve. There may be some truth to this, but some of us are witnesses to increasing acceptance of innovative thinking: One of the greatest drivers is the practical application of scientific research. read more
Firefighter Cancer Registry Bill Introduced in House of Representatives

February 7, 2017

The IAFC is most pleased that bipartisan legislation was introduced Feb. 7 in the U.S. House of Representatives to create a long-overdue national registry for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. read more
NACOSH Takes Action to Improve Firefighter Safety

January 2017

The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health has recommended to the assistant secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health to move the draft Emergency Response and Preparedness Standard forward for rule-making in OSHA. read more
Company Officer Leadership: Moving Forward in 2017

January 2017

We know that one of the most powerful positions has little impact on what we do daily when the bell goes off in the fire station. Now that the vote is done, it’s time to move forward and continue with our daily responsibilities as company officers. read more
Safety & Health: Leadership in Innovation

January 2017

Contrary to common wisdom, some value progress, unimpeded by tradition. These organizations' focus is closely associated with their leaders and their views on innovation. read more
The Color of Protection

December 2016

Law-enforcement officers are under attack and becoming targets. Responding alongside law enforcement places us in areas of risk; their risk is our risk. Action must be taken to protect ourselves, but what steps can we take to do that? read more
How an Empty Salt Shaker Leads to Firefighter Death

December 2016

Yes, anyone can fill the salt shaker, but as one chief pointed out, this particular, insignificant task is assigned to someone. I believe the way he said it was, “Filling the salt shaker was someone’s job.” read more
Safety & Health: Survive Alive

November 2016

More than four years ago, the board of the IAFC’s Safety, Health & Survival Section (SHS) met in Virginia over several cold and blustery January days to create a new strategic plan. Much of the discussion during these meetings focused ... read more
Physicals: Your Life Depends on Them!

October 2016

Physicals in the fire department. read more