Health, safety, wellbeing and welfare

Summary

This section outlines the importance of health, safety, wellbeing, and welfare for responders during major incidents. It emphasizes the need for effective hazard management to prevent risks to both responders and the public. Responsibility for safety lies with each emergency response agency, and coordination through a strategic commander is crucial. Plans should encompass pre-deployment assessments and strategies for hazard identification. An incident safety advisory cell can be formed to manage significant hazards and ensure safety measures are adhered to, involving a collaborative approach among agencies. Occupational health assessments and post-incident monitoring are necessary to maintain personnel fitness and wellbeing, ensuring access to health services and psychological support when needed.

Key principles

• 1Manage hazards to prevent risk to staff and public.
• 2Coordinate health and safety through strategic command.
• 3Form an incident safety advisory cell for hazard management.
• 4Implement robust occupational health assessments for responders.
• 5Provide psychological support and post-incident monitoring.