The TFS is committed to having a safe work place and safe systems of work. No firefighter is expected to unreasonably risk their safety in performing the job.
The role of firefighter requires our employees to respond to emergencies and sometimes work in potentially hazardous situations. The TFS places great importance on ensuring its people are protected from injury by having:
- Effective occupational health and safety programs and practices;
- Continuous training to maintain competencies;
- Rigorous checking and maintenance of tools, equipment and appliances;
- The best available personal protective equipment.
Each firefighter is responsible for looking after their own health and safety and the health and safety of the people with whom they work.
The Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management is also committed to supporting our people to be mentally and physically fit, ready and capable to deliver high quality emergency services for our community.
Our Wellbeing Support Unit delivers confidential, proactive and preventative mental health and wellbeing services to DPFEM and Ambulance Tasmania that comprises preventative, intervention and promotion elements across a mix of in-house and externally provided services. It blends the expertise available to create a holistic approach to each individual that seeks support.
TFS also participates in the Tasmanian Emergency Services Critical Incident Stress Management Program, which is a peer support program, in the interest of staff health and wellbeing. Its purpose is to lessen the impact of critical incidents, to minimise potential long-term effects and to promote a healthy, supportive work environment. It provides a range of services to fulfil this purpose.