The 2008 Safety, Health, and Survival Week (formerly known as Stand Down Week) will be held June 22-28, 2008.

Committed to Long-Term Results encourages long-term investments by both chiefs and firefighters to enhance their health and safety. The ultimate goal is to institute a strong culture of health and safety within the fire/EMS service.

This year’s theme reflects the need for organizational action that supports and encourages a safety culture. “The 2008 Safety, Health and Survival Week is designed to bring international attention to the need to address preventable injuries and deaths among firefighters. The IAFF encourages labor and management to work together to address and improve firefighter health and safety,” said Harold Schaitberger, IAFF general president.

Recommended activities and materials will incorporate three key areas where standard operating procedures, policies and initiatives—along with the training and enforcement that support them—can limit fire/EMS personnel’s risk of injury or death:

1. Initiate an emergency vehicle policy, to include:

a. Always buckle up.
b. Always stop at red lights and stop signs.
c. Always drive at speed limits and defensively.

2. Fully implement the Wellness-Fitness Initiative:

a. Provide annual medical and physical evaluations.
b. Provide equipment and time for exercise.
c. Provide nutrition information.

3. Fully implement NFPA 1500, especially sections addressing PPE:

a. Provide compliant PPE.
b. Train and enforce use of PPE, including respiratory protection.

Please visit www.iafc.org/safetyweek for more information on this year’s program and planning resources developed by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section.