This website represents the views of Hampshire Retained Fire Fighters Union
Are you fit enough?
HFRS are currently looking at the issues of fitness in the service.
There can be no argument that the physical demands made on fire fighters can be extremely high at incidents, consequently to ensure you can deliver to the full, without injury we are all required to maintain a high level of fitness. Within HFRS there is a Health and Safety requirement to maintain a level of fitness and the individual is required to be “fit for duty” but we are all aware the fitness assessment is not robust. This requirement was highlighted for WDS firefighters when the number of fitness sessions they were taking was reduced to give them more time to undertake proactive activities such as CFS. However, WDS firefighters still have well kitted out Gyms and WFTI’s on most watches to help out.
There is no doubt that HFRS feel that the onus to keep firefighters fit is not just theirs. I believe that their argument is that this is more of a life skill and personal requirement rather than a corporate one. No one can fail to have noticed how over the last few years’ the Government has led on promotions, food packaging and retailer advertising promoting the benefits of being fit and healthy. In short this requirement is not just for the employer or the employee but one for society as a whole.
The benefits for the organization it is argued is that the fit and healthy employee does not strain themselves as much, is less ill and generally happier (thus more productive). However the sole beneficiary is not the employer; obviously these benefits translate simply across to our personal lives. Consequently we should all strive for fitness throughout our lives and not expect our employer to keep us fit.
And what about RDS fire fighters? HFRS are good enough to supply us with Concept rowing machines an excellent piece of kit but its then down to us. A recent meeting was recently held to discuss these issues – it is expected that there is a corporate requirement for fit fire fighters but how can this fitness be achieved/maintained.
What would you like to see? As an employee do you think the employer has a sole duty to keep you fit, a partial responsibility or no responsibility? And what would you like? Here is a list of possible ways HFRS can help you keep fit - it is in no way is exhaustive:
Pay for an additional weekly training session
Improve the facilities at the station – perhaps allow others to use the kit to makes sure it is well used maybe friends, family or other community groups (note this ignores the training/insurance requirement).
Create fitness competitions across the service
Get WFTi’s to become a more intrinsic part of RDS drill nights
Have a 45 minute fitness session once a month on drill nights
Monitor individuals more (possibly by a local representative) so that fitness initiatives are dealt with at an early informal stage.
Provide free/reduced membership at local gyms
Let us know your thoughts…..
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