BY WILLIAM SHOULDIS
Each year, fire departments respond to new and different challenges that impact on-scene strategic and safety considerations. Over the past few decades, the emergency services have gradually recognized the importance of ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of all responders. Each department is beginning to fully understand the necessity and rationale for developing and implementing a comprehensive approach to occupational safety and health programs. A command officer’s highest priority will continue to be creating and maintaining a safe place of work, whether it’s in the fire station, en route to a call, or at a rapidly escalating incident.
The incident scene is a dynamic environment and must be closely supervised. Each member is responsible for safety and every aspect of on-scene operations must be carefully evaluated. Tragically, without a steady supervisory influence and a continuous management emphasis on strategic and safe actions, the consequences will be sad and costly.
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