NIOSH
Stay current with NIOSH developments that shape firefighter safety and health. This hub delivers breaking coverage of Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program findings, National Firefighter Registry for Cancer updates, PPE performance studies, federal funding moves and legislative actions affecting NIOSH operations. Articles combine timely reporting with expert analysis to help chiefs, training officers and frontline firefighters turn research into decisions on policy, training and equipment. Fresh content is posted whenever investigations resume or programs shift, giving you a complete view of NIOSH’s mission to keep crews safer on every call.
The May 31, 2013, motel structure collapse resulted in the five LODDs, four at the time of the incident, one years later
The option to request investigations had been removed from the site following NIOSH layoffs that have since been revoked
Firefighters are now able to enroll and contribute to the ongoing cancer studies
Among the communication failures outlined in the report was a revelation that the command officer didn’t hear the first two mayday calls made during the fire
Factors that contributed to their deaths included heavy winds, personnel accountability and communication problems
The chief’s performance came under scrutiny after a report on the fire that resulted in two firefighters’ deaths last year
The NIOSH investigation showed that only the first of the two low-air alarms functioned in its test
The study evaluated 20,000 firefighters from three major cities over nearly 60 years and the amount of time spent on the fireground
Lt. Bruce Britt, a 23-year veteran, died in a walkway collapse while evacuating apartment residents
In this incident, command was never established nor was any type of incident action plan developed and communicated to personnel
Investigators recommended annual medical evaluations, exercise stress tests, vital-sign checks and the completion of a health screen questionnaire
How NIOSH investigators and the department can better understand the LODD and prevent its repeat
The standard committee is focused on beefing up portable devices, including lapel mics, used in interior fire-attack situations
To honor the fallen we must learn from the incident, and that requires effort and honesty
The written test, oral interview and Candidate Physical Ability Test firefighters must pass are challenging, but practice and study can help you succeed
