Fire Union Unhappy with Lord Young’s Health and Safety Review
FBU (Fire Brigades Union) is unhappy with Lord Young’ suggestion that workers such as fire fighters, engaging in emergency services, could be excluded from legislations related to health and safety if it comes in the way of saving lives. He is currently reviewing the legislation.
Lord Young, in an interview with The Times, said that firemen could refuse to attend a fire because it is too hazardous. He said that they had to drive some sense in to the system.
In a memo to union members, Matt Wrack, general secretary of FBU said that there was no proof that unnecessary safety and health regulations were coming in the way of Fire and Rescue Service to take action in emergencies.
He said that the reason why lives were lost in the fire incidents, shortcomings and improvements necessary have been detailed in every report. Firefighters are engaged in attending different types of emergency incidents every single day and there is no proof of firefighters refusing to go to a particular accident scene due to the dangers involved. He added that they were entitled to good training, equipment and other resources to carry out their duty. The only obstacle they faced to emergency response was the mission to bring about cuts to emergency cover.
Between February ‘96 and October ‘02 recorded firefighter deaths at incident scenes was nil, though thirteen firefighters lost their lives at work between 2003 and 2007.
The FBU has voiced its concerns about Lord Young’s review in a submission and has also received an invitation to meet him.
Companies need to be sure that they are giving the correct instructions with effective policies around health and safety decisions. Fire Risk Assessment Training will benefit organisations in enabling them to understand their responsibilities for fire safety, and put in place measures to control the risks of fire as required under legislation