Firefighter fit for duty guideline
The Need
With increasing issues relating to litigation, inquests and legislation (eg: National Safe Work Act) there is increasing pressure to review the health and fitness standards for firefighters. Primarily relating to fit for duty requirements for volunteers, Bushfire CRC research program D2.1 will provide the evidence required to review both the physiological and psychological requirements of firefighting tasks.The industry will need to:
- review the research outcomes
- understand the impact on the industry
- develop appropriate strategies and practices to ensure alignment to health and safety practices.
Benefits and Strategic Alignment
Bushfire CRC research will inform the decision making on this project. Initially the research outcomes will be directed at large volunteer based agencies, as the research is based on volunteers. There will be an assesment of the impacts of extending this project to paid firefighters, including land management agency based firefighters.
Proposal
The impact assessment of this research is yet to be conducted and will significantly influence any project deliverables. It is anticipated the project will involve a review of
- firefighting (bushfire) tasks
- practices relating to recruitment/selection
- practices on the fireground.
It is unlikely a position will be developed. It is more likely guidelines will be established.
Consultation
Agencies will be engaged in the development of project parameters through impact assessment workshops, . Initially this will relate to volunteer based agencies, however, all agencies will be impacted and need to be involved in early stages.
It is unlikely any agency will not engage with this project.
Governance
Impact assessment workshops and development of toolkits/products will be the responsibility of the Bushfire CRC.
The ongoing development of guidelines will be under the governance of the Workforce Management Group, with responsibility sitting in the Occupational Health and Safety Sub Group. Interaction with Urban Operations and Rural and Land Management Groups will be essential.
For more information on this project contact Judy Gouldbourn, AFAC Manager Workforce Management
