In September this year CFA was nominated for a 2016 OHS WorkSafe award for the implementation of Health Monitoring Rehab Units (HMRU).
Although the organisation didn’t walk away with the winning award, it is great to see the hard work of members being recognised and appreciated throughout the state.
In 2015, CFA introduced HMRU which manages the health of members in real time while they’re out on firefighting and hazardous materials operations.
The units carry health monitoring equipment which assists firefighter to have a speedy recovery and get them back to their operational duties as soon as possible.
CFA’s Health Wellbeing Officer, Peter Langridge, said although we didn’t win the award, being recognised as a finalist is a big achievement.
“Staff and volunteers have been very positive about the initiative, which has also now been engaged by other emergency services,” he said.
“Fire-fighting is a high-risk occupation and requires a risk management approach at a higher level than most industry-based occupations.
“CFA has seen a noticeable reduction in reported cases of heat stress and dehydration as a result of this initiative, which is really promising.”
The HMRU is now also being used by Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, State Emergency Service and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
See an article on the HMRU initiative in the 2016 winter Brigade magazine here.
Author: CFA Media