Those who lead fire service and emergency services organizations through the difficult legal terrain need a thorough understanding of risk management theory and practices. Experience has proven that tackling risk management has the simultaneous benefit of reducing liability exposure while improving personnel safety and health.

Managing Fire Service Liability and Safety Best Practices will explain how risk management, legal liabilities and personnel safety align to improve the overall operations of an emergency services organization. The program will provide an overview of the laws and regulations that impact the fire and emergency services, so that attendees will gain a solid understanding of the legal landscape, together with effective ways of reducing liability. Some of the hottest, most pressing legal topics will be addressed, including the use of personal cellphones while on duty, consequences of personnel taking on-scene photographs and videos, social networking issues, electronic monitoring of department computer systems, and the impact of tattoos and body piercings on grooming policies.

In addition, the program will provide an examination of modern risk management theory and application, together with proven strategies and tactics to help leaders successfully implement risk management practices in their organization. Attendees will be shown how to quickly identify, prioritize and address risk in the workplace.

Finally the program will address firefighter and responder safety and health through a comprehensive approach using NFPA 1500 as a benchmark. A methodical approach will be provided to assess an organization’s level of compliance with NFPA 1500. Best practices for conducting an audit will be discussed, as well as proven methods for compliance with key provisions.