FDIC Includes Wellness-Fitness Initiative Session

April 2, 2010 -- The IAFF is conducting workshops at FDIC on the IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI). The five-day conference and trade show takes place April 19-24, 2010, at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. The WFI workshop will be held 8:00 am– 2:00 pm on Monday, April 19.

Fire fighting work entails sporadic high levels of physical exertion, uncontrolled environmental exposures and psychological stress from observing intense human suffering. Each year, tens of thousands of fire fighters are injured while fighting fires, rescuing people, responding to hazardous incidents, and training for their jobs. Fire fighters have the highest on-the-job injury rate, almost eight times that of other occupations. Likewise, fire fighters have one of the highest occupational risks of dying from on-the-job heart attacks and certain cancers.

Research reveals the need for high levels of physical fitness to safely perform the necessary duties of the fire service. The WFI addresses the needs of the total individual in a program to build and maintain fit uniformed personnel. Fitness – physical, mental and emotional – requires an effective wellness program available to recruits, incumbents and retirees.

This program offers a step-by-step approach to implementing the WFI. Any fire department can use this process to evaluate a current wellness-fitness program or to design and implement a new program that meets the criteria identified in the WFI. While various elements and methods of a wellness-fitness program may vary from department to department, the program development process will be similar.

To assist in this process, sample strategies and worksheets have been included to assist with implementation of the WFI in your organization. This workshop will show why the WFI makes economic sense and how adopting and implementing an occupational wellness program, such as the WFI, can reduce occupational claims and costs while simultaneously improving the quality and longevity of a fire fighter’s life.

Space is limited – click here to register.

For more information, visit the IAFF at FDIC at Booth 5382 or call (202) 737-8484.