In the context of this project, the Risk Management process can be described as a proactive and systematic approach for improving risk decision making in the workplace.
It is participatory in nature and involves a detailed evaluation of job tasks and responsibilities from a cross-section of the entire workforce.
This group sits down to identify high risk activities and how to perform these activities as safely as possible for their specific fire department environment. By bringing together a team of people to actively think about health and safety and the specific activities that pose the greatest risk, we as a team hope that this project will make the fire dpartment more safety conscious and reduce the number of firefighter injuries.
A safety system approach…
Risk Management provides a structure for individual departments to develop solutions to the risks faced, based on the surrounding environment, conditions, equipment and personnel involved.
By better describing and understanding the nature and mechanisms of injuries in this population of the fire service and EMS, results will aid in the development of procedures and injury prevention efforts among all firefighters.
These risk management strategies will:
- Help focus attention and resources on the most significant risks
- Improve decision making processes in the workplace (at all levels and ranks)
- Promote a workforce engaged in the management of their own health and safety, thus improving a culture of trust
Modified from Minerals Industry Safety & Health Centre, University of Queensland