Preventing firefighter fatalities within a complex operational environment 

Dr. Kristen Wheldon, President of the Fire Service Psychology Association, highlights the critical role of human factors in understanding and preventing firefighter fatalities within a complex operational environment 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is seeking public feedback on its Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP), particularly regarding the inclusion of human factors in its investigations.

This initiative, outlined in NIOSH Docket Number 063-E and CDC-2024-0040, aims to enhance the understanding of how human elements influence firefighter safety and decision-making during emergency responses.

The importance of human factors in accident investigations 

Human factors have long been integral to accident investigations in high-risk industries such as aviation, nuclear power, and military operations.

These investigations have evolved from a primary focus on mechanical failures to include human error analysis, which is now recognized as a significant contributor to accidents.

By understanding these factors, organizations can implement measures to reduce risks and improve safety outcomes.

Human factors in the fire service 

Despite advancements in other industries, firefighter occupational injury and death rates remain high.

Incorporating human factors into firefighter fatality investigations can provide valuable insights into the systemic variables affecting firefighter health and safety.

Recommendations for incorporating human factors 

To effectively reduce firefighter fatalities, it is crucial to understand the complex interactions between various human factors and their impact on firefighter behavior.

This involves analyzing organizational, operational, and individual elements that influence safety.

The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), initially developed for the US Navy, offers a comprehensive framework for this analysis.

HFACS categorizes factors into multiple levels, including: 

• Decisions: judgment, skill-based errors, and perceptual errors.

• Preconditions for behavior: Routine and exceptional violations of procedures.
• Environmental factors: Physical and technological conditions impacting performance.
• Condition of crew: Psychological and physiological states affecting individuals.
• Personnel factors: Communication, coordination, planning, and fitness for duty.
• Supervision: Quality of supervision, planning, and correction of known issues.
• Organizational influences: Resource management, organizational processes, and climate.

Methods for investigation and analysis 

Conducting thorough human factors investigations requires specialized knowledge in accident reconstruction, safety engineering, and psychology.

These professionals can identify variables influencing human errors, such as perception, judgment, decision-making, communication, coordination, and environmental stressors.

Integrating human factors findings 

The ultimate goal of incorporating human factors into investigations is to prevent future incidents without assigning blame to individuals or departments.

By identifying contributing elements within the system, recommendations can be made to enhance safety and reduce risks.

This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and learning within the fire service.

Incorporating human factors into reports without assigning blame 

Accidents happen within complex systems that shape the behavior of individuals and teams.

The purpose of a human factors investigation is to identify the contributing factors (such as actions, omissions, events, and conditions) that led to an incident.

This process is not about assigning blame or determining legal liabilities.

Rather, it focuses on uncovering elements that affect safety, which can then be used to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of Fire & Safety Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.