IAFF Supports NIOSH “Future Directions” Findings

May 2, 2007 -- Nearly all of the IAFF’s recommendations on the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) are included in a summary released by NIOSH May 1 regarding its future role in fire fighter death and injury investigations.

“There is no greater issue than the health and safety of our members,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "The IAFF is in full support of NIOSH continuing its involvement and will continue to advocate for and support additional funding for NIOSH to enhance such investigations.”

In 2006, NIOSH sought stakeholder input on its Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program at a public meeting and through a public docket, and conducted a national survey of U.S. fire departments to ensure that the program met stakeholder needs and to generate input on ways to increase the impact of the program on fire fighter safety and health.

As the creator of the investigation process under President Bill Clinton, the IAFF participated in the review process, testified during the stakeholder meeting and made a number of recommendations, including:

• No reduction in investigations and, ultimately, a significant increase in investigations when funding levels allow.
• Conduct follow-up investigations to ensure implementation of recommendations and a significant impact on safety.
• Disseminate information on the status of all fatality investigations regularly.
• Stakeholder groups must fully support NIOSH participation in investigations and facilitate coordination with other NIOSH divisions.
• NIOSH should partner with other federal departments and agencies, including DHS (FEMA, USFA), NIH and DOT to conduct research during and after investigations to develop new technologies and operating procedures to improve the safety of fire fighters.

Click here for the “Future Directions for the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program.