In this issue:
- Medical Standards
- Medical Examinations
- Waivers/Accommodations
- Employee Health Program
- Risk Reduction
Background
This report, the seventh in a series, reviews activities related to the Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) project on wildland firefighter health and safety. The project focuses on three main areas:
Work, Rest, and Fatigue
Development of an objective approach for the determination of work/rest standards, and recommended assignment lengths for crews and overhead.
Energy and Nutrition
Improvement of the energy intake, nutrition, and immune function of wildland firefighters.
Implementation of work capacity and medical standards and improvement of the health, safety, and productivity of firefighters.
Medical Standards
This issue focuses on the interagency medical standards program developed for wildland firefighters. Contributors include Kevin Jensen, the medical standards program manager, and Jay Paulsen, M.D., the program’s medical advisor, who is with the Federal Occupational Health Program of the U.S. Public Health Service. The featured topic introduces the reasons for the program, the medical standards, the schedule for medical examinations and tests, and the waiver/accommodation process.
The research section provides additional information about specific tests and the results of examinations conducted on Australian firefighters. The risk management section outlines cost-effective strategies managers can use to maintain a healthy workforce. Finally, the field notes section suggests steps individuals can take to reduce risk and cope with the stresses and demands of their jobs.
