Clare County Fire and Rescue Service has received national and international recognition for its ongoing efforts to protect the safety, health and welfare of its employees.
The “Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems’ certification was first published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) in 2007 and sets out a preventative and proactive approach to identifying workplace hazards and assessing and controlling risk.
In its assessment, the NSAI noted the consistent application of the management system across all Clare Fire Stations, the knowledge and skills of all interviewed during the audit process, the existence of an ‘excellent’ records management system, and the development of a Detailed Safety Management Programme for 2017.
Clare County Fire and Rescue Service was first awarded the OHSAS 18001:2007 – the only auditable international standard for health and safety – in 2014 and is one of only five Fire Authorities in Ireland to have attained the accreditation.
In congratulating Clare County Fire & Rescue Service, Cllr. Bill Chambers, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said: “Our Fire and Rescue Service personnel are among the most highly trained in the country and are equipped with the most modern equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). This accreditation underlines that staff also are firmly committed to implementing the highest standards of health and safety throughout their operations.”
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, described the ongoing commitment by Clare County Fire & Rescue Service to maintaining health and safety standards to the highest level as “critically important for both Fire Service personnel and the general public whom they serve.”
“From the perspective of promoting Clare County Council’s Safety Management System, this is a very welcome development. Attaining and maintaining the accreditation means that the Fire Service is proactively managing the safety of its employees and contractors,” added Mr. Dowling.
“The management of Health and Safety of personnel is a top priority for all Fire Service employees,” stated Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer.
“The staff are delighted to once again retain the OHSAS 18001:2007 certification which will serve to remind us of how maintaining health and safety standards is central to the work we carry out on a 24-hour basis, 365 days of the year,” Mr Kelly added.