Mission
The mission is to promote and provide for the health and safety of all uniformed LAFD firefighters. In support of this goal the Safety Division works to control and eliminate recognized workplace hazards, and mitigate hazards to an acceptable level of risk.
Vision
To improve safety always.
The division manages and supports internal risk-reduction programs and safety responsibilities to include: OSHA Compliances, medical evaluations, hearing conservation, infection control practices, fitness assessments and safety equipment (bunker gear, SCBA and other accessories).
Services facilitated, conducted by this division:
Firefighter annual physical exams, fitness and VO2 max assessments
Immunizations, infection control Hose and nozzle, ground and aerial ladder, pump testing
Issuance of safety bulletins
Review of post-incident analysis and recommendations
Maintains, revises policy in safety directives
Oversight of SCBA Technicians, Clothing and Safety Equipment Team, Peer Fitness Trainers and Peer Support Team
Liaison with LANL Occupational Health and Wellness partners as well as Los Alamos County Risk Management Departments.
Chairs the Fitness Committee and the Health and Safety Committee.
Health and Safety Committee
This committee is consists of management, field and Local #3279 LAFD union personnel appointed by the Fire Chief to serve for (1) year to assist the department with objectives of:
To reduce or eliminate loss of life, injury and evaluate potential hazards for firefighters
To increase safety and health awareness through education for firefighters
To review procedures and questions and provide solutions as brought forth to the committee concerning safety from the field
To review and recommend and research firefighting safety clothing and equipment and apparatus safety features
To develop criteria and process to quarterly safety award for all fire department personnel and civilian staff.
Fitness and Wellness
LAFD firefighters are expected to maintain fitness as a conduit for increasing safety that views firefighters not only as the most important resource on an incident scene but considers our firefighters to be ready, fit and strong.
In 2016 the Safety Division along with key fitness wellness partners to include LANL Occupational Health and Wellness, Los Alamos County and Local #3279 union began to integrate pieces of the IAFC-IAFF WFI – Wellness Fitness initiative that were lacking to include researching the rehabilitation and behavioral health elements when it concerns firefighters. Internally two teams were created begin this journey.