Firefighters face unique risks; every department should implement risk management strategies to counter liability. Whether salaried or volunteer, they rush into danger. They have support from managers and administrators who handle the required paperwork and details. Sometimes those managers themselves face danger in the form of lawsuits. Carrying management liability insurance helps them to focus on supporting and mitigating risks for those who risk themselves to help others.
Management Liability Insurance
Specialized management liability insurance protects managers from potential exposures such as:
- Wrongful acts
- Employee benefits oversight
- Employment practices
The best liability insurance for managers of firefighting organizations will cover monetary damages and legal expenses should a lawsuit be filed. Organizations should also implement powerful risk management strategies for firefighters.
Risk Management Strategies for the Team of Firefighters to Implement
Risk management for firefighters begins on the job and involves choices, sometimes split-second decisions. Ultimately, risk management is inherently part of the job, such as reading smoke to predict flashover. There are certain aspects of risk management every fire department should stress. Likewise, these safety strategies can help make adverse outcomes less likely.
Practice Effective Communication
Communication is a skill, which means it can be learned and practiced. When firefighters are working in high-pressure situations, they must be able to communicate effectively and courageously. If a decision does not feel right, firefighters should speak up. They should be able to trust and understand other firefighters and the control team. Clear, transparent, and timely communication is essential on a fire site.
Train
Some of the best risk management strategies for firefighters occur away from fire sites and during training. Some tasks for firefighters are essential, but they may only occur sometimes. However, firefighters should know how to do them. They often must perform such a task as calling on a mayday. Therefore, firefighters in stressful situations should be able to do it automatically without having to stop and think. Such automatic thinking comes from regular training. Knowledgeable firefighters can help keep the community and each other safe while management liability insurance protects the entire organization.
Study Failures
Studying serious injuries and on-duty deaths can help firefighters learn, albeit dramatically and poignantly, what does not work.
Shower After Fires
Hazmat industry experts recommend firefighters remove contaminated clothing and clean their skin after returning from the fireground. This seemingly simple action reduces dermal absorption of potential carcinogens and can help protect the long-term health of firefighters.
Stay in Shape
Firefighters should work out regularly to prevent muscle strains and injuries. Physically fit bodies can better undertake the rigorous demands of fighting fires.
Nap
Firefighters should get proper rest. Substantially, it may help them think clearly when at a fire ground. Rest is a surefire risk management strategy to help them focus.
Management Liability Insurance
Risk management strategies for firefighters can help cover all aspects of danger. For the organization, mitigating risk involves purchasing management liability insurance. Dangers from fires or lawsuits can come unexpectedly, and firefighters and managers must prepare with the best possible response.
About Provident Fire Plus
At Provident Fire Plus, we offer custom-tailored packages to best protect firefighters and volunteer firefighters. We understand the risks that emergency response teams are subjected to on a daily basis, and have worked to serve these dedicated professionals for over 87 years. For more information about our products and policies, we invite you to contact our experts today at (855) 201-8880.