A new policy statement that sets out how the Fire and Rescue Service should comply with occupational health and safety duties in their operations has been endorsed by Fire Rescue groups. Striking the balance sets out the HSE’s intention to take a sensible and proportionate approach to dealing with risk in the Fire Service. Although it stresses that (like all employers) fire and rescue authorities have a legal duty to protect their workers’ health and safety, it does not intend to prevent fire-fighters from doing their job. This follow concerns that health and safety legislation is misunderstood within some fire and rescue services in terms of operational works. Recently, a fatal accident inquiry in Scotland heard evidence that a health and safety memo prevented fire-fighters from rescuing a woman who had fallen down an old mine shaft in Galston, Ayrshire, back in July 2008.
Speaking at the launch, HSE chair Judith Hackitt said:
"We want to clear up any misunderstandings – a proper approach to health and safety does not prevent fire-fighters from doing their job.”