Health and Safety

Policy owned by Health and Safety

Policy applies to: Employees, Members, Volunteers

Statement of intent

This year, the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority is strengthening its commitment to inclusivity. Colleagues with disabilities, those living with terminal diagnoses, neurodiverse colleagues, and those with caring responsibilities are supported through reasonable adjustments, tailored resources, and a safe and empowering workplace. By fostering this culture, we enable everyone to work confidently, safely, and to their full potential.

As Chief Executive, I recognise the particular challenges we face in keeping ourselves safe while responding to emergency situations and delivering our service to the communities we serve. Our core functions include protecting life and property in the event of fire, extinguishing fires, rescuing and protecting people involved in road traffic collisions, and responding to a wide range of other emergencies. In fulfilling this duty, we must sometimes send our firefighters into inherently dangerous situations in order to save lives.

In carrying out our responsibilities, we may operate in circumstances where:

  • our customers will expect us to act even where the risks outweigh the benefits
  • many incidents develop at speed, some can develop in unexpected ways, in emotionally charged situations and our firefighters may, from time to time, be confronted with situations outside their experience
  • there may sometimes be incomplete or inaccurate information about the incident
  • we may not be able to control or mitigate some aspects of the working environment
  • firefighters use operational discretion to respond dynamically to extreme situations

Whilst striving to achieve the best expectations of our customers, I confirm the commitment of the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority to reducing risks to all colleagues to the lowest level reasonably practicable by:

  • promoting and encouraging a fit and healthy workforce, including support for mental health and wellbeing
  • ensuring that bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment are not tolerated within KFRS
  • supporting colleagues with disabilities, neurodiversity, terminal diagnoses, and caring responsibilities through reasonable adjustments, inclusive policies, and support networks
  • providing adequate information, instruction, and training to ensure colleagues and those working on our behalf have the knowledge and skills required to make safe and effective operational decisions
  • giving assurance that Incident Commanders will receive full organisational support for decisions made on the incident ground
  • embedding risk management and risk awareness as fundamental parts of our strategy
  • identifying and pre-planning for significant risks within our communities
  • carrying out risk assessments that identify hazards and implementing effective safe systems of work
  • ensuring the provision, maintenance, and safe use of equipment and machinery
  • engaging with representative bodies and colleagues at all levels through consultation and the promotion of health, safety, and wellbeing awareness
  • researching, innovating, and investing in equipment and technology that improves outcomes for the public while enhancing firefighter safety.

The Authority places health and safety objectives alongside service performance objectives. Effective health and safety management contributes directly to organisational performance by reducing injuries, ill health, and other losses while protecting the environment. As a minimum, the Authority will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, industry best practice, and other applicable standards.

We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning. Incidents and near misses will be investigated thoroughly to understand their root causes and implement actions that prevent recurrence. By applying the principles of black box thinking, we recognise that accidents often arise from organisational factors rather than solely individual actions. We encourage open and honest learning by creating psychological safety in debriefs and other processes so that colleagues feel confident to share experiences and identify improvements without fear of blame.

The Authority is also committed to minimising exposure to workplace hazards and contaminants, both at operational incidents and within our premises. Reasonable workplace adjustments will be made wherever required to ensure colleagues can work safely and effectively. The Director of Response and Resilience, who serves as the Service’s Health and Safety Director, together with the Health and Safety Manager, are responsible for ensuring that our health, safety, and wellbeing obligations are met.

Managers and supervisors play a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of their teams and extending their duty of care to all those affected by the Authority’s activities. Effective health and safety management relies on the active cooperation of everyone within the Service. Communication and consultation on safety matters are essential, and arrangements are in place to engage with appointed safety representatives. Health and safety performance will be regularly reported to the Corporate Management Board to ensure transparency and accountability.

The physical and mental wellbeing of our colleagues remains a priority. Through Occupational Health services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a network of wellbeing champions and mental health first aiders, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive wellbeing culture. Colleagues are encouraged to speak openly about any concerns relating to health, safety, or wellbeing so that we can continue to improve our support and working environment.

Finally, everyone has a responsibility to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. We must use equipment and systems provided for safety purposes correctly and cooperate fully with the Authority in meeting our responsibilities. By embracing a culture of learning and continuous improvement, we will continue to create a safer, healthier, and more inclusive working environment for everyone.

 

Ann Millington                                                                      Original signed 01/04/2026
Chief Executive
 

Date implemented: 01/04/2026