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Health & Safety
Essential resources for culturally diverse emergency responders in Australia to enhance workplace safety and wellbeing.
All Emergency responder areas in Australia are governed by Codes of Practice, Regulations and Acts of Parliament that dictate the duties and obligations of Employers, businesses and workers whilst undertaking work in the area to ensure the health and safety of workers while they are at work and others who may be affected by the carrying out of work. This page will be further developed to provide information relevant to the requests of members and recommends the list of regulators and contacts located on the SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA Website:
WHS regulators and workers' compensation authorities contact information | Safe Work Australia
Common Workplace hazards by Emergency Service
Policing
Based on the Australian Institute of Criminology report tandi196.pdf
🔴 1. Risk of Death & Homicide
Being killed during arrests, drug raids, domestic disputes, traffic stops
Off‑duty intervention in crimes
Mistaken identity shootings
Unintentional firearm discharges
Fatal vehicle crashes (darkness, high speed, unfamiliar roads, weather)
🟠 2. Risk of Assault
High rates of physical assault (fists, bottles, syringes, body fluids)
Most common during:
Domestic disputes
Public disorder incidents
Traffic stops
Arrests and prisoner handling
Higher risk for junior officers and those working nights/weekends
Assailants often: young males, intoxicated, drug‑affected, with prior convictions
🟡 3. Communicable Disease Exposure
Needlestick injuries from hidden syringes
Exposure to HIV, hepatitis B & C, tuberculosis
Risks from spitting, biting, contaminated bodily fluids
High‑risk roles: drug squads, watchhouse staff, body searches
🔵 4. Stress, Fatigue & Psychological Harm
Chronic stress from danger, trauma, shiftwork, understaffing
Fatigue from irregular hours and circadian disruption
Burnout (“compassion fatigue”)
Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from exposure to:
Child abuse cases
Violent deaths
Fatal crashes
Shootings and riots
“Suicide by cop” incidents
Rare but serious risk of police suicide
🟣 5. Other Injuries & Illnesses
Physical injuries during foot pursuits or arrests
Hypertension and long‑term health issues
Exposure to hazardous chemicals during:
Arson investigations
Bomb investigations
Clandestine drug lab raids (toxic vapours, explosions, booby traps)
🟤 6. Risks from Modern Technology
Laser pointers mistaken for firearm laser sights
Potential long‑term exposure risks from radar devices (inconclusive evidence)
⚫ 7. Substance Misuse Among Officers
Elevated rates of alcohol misuse
Some use of illicit drugs (creates safety, ethical, and corruption risks)
Further resources
FIREFIGHTING
13 Common Firefighter Health & Safety Hazards Based on 13 Common Firefighter Health and Safety Hazards
Firefighters face a wide range of physical, environmental, and long‑term health risks. The article outlines 13 major hazards and the PPE/equipment that helps reduce them.
🔥 1. Physical Exertion & Heat Stress
Firefighting requires extreme physical effort while wearing heavy gear, increasing risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
🌫️ 2. Smoke & Toxic Substance Exposure
Burning materials release dangerous chemicals (e.g., carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide). Contaminated gear can continue exposing firefighters after the incident.
❤️ 3. Cardiovascular Risks
Sudden cardiac events are a leading cause of firefighter fatalities due to heat, exertion, and dehydration.
🎗️ 4. Cancer & Long‑Term Health Effects
Exposure to carcinogens in smoke, debris, and contaminated gear increases cancer risk.
⚠️ 5. Slips, Trips & Falls
Wet surfaces, debris, ladders, and low visibility contribute to falls and injuries.
⚡ 6. Electrical Hazards
Downed power lines, exposed wiring, and wet environments increase electrocution risk.
🧪 7. Chemical & Hazardous Material Exposure
Industrial fires and hazmat incidents expose firefighters to corrosive, toxic, or explosive chemicals.
🌊 8. Drowning & Water‑Related Risks
Flood rescues, swift water, and ice rescues pose drowning and hypothermia risks.
💥 9. Explosions & Blast Injuries
Gas leaks, pressurized containers, and flammable chemicals can cause sudden explosions and debris injuries.
🌬️ 10. Poor Air Quality & Lung Damage
Smoke, dust, and fine particles can cause long‑term respiratory damage—even after the fire is out.
🔥 11. Burns & Thermal Injuries
Flashovers, steam burns, and contact with hot surfaces can cause severe burns within seconds.
🏚️ 12. Structural Collapse & Falling Debris
Fire‑damaged buildings can collapse suddenly, causing crushing injuries.
🧠 13. Mental Health Struggles & PTSD
Firefighters face high levels of trauma, stress, PTSD, depression, and emotional exhaustion.
Further Resources
Further Services to be added soon,, any suggestions or references are welcome
AMBULANCE SERVICES
These are the most common injuries and hazards for people working in the ambulance service, as shown by injury claims.
Injury hotspots - Ambulance services | WorkSafe Victoria
Hazards
Hazard 1
Being hit by objects
Hazard 2
Fatigue and shift work
Hazard 3
Lifting and moving patients or heavy objects
Hazard 4
Post-traumatic stress
Hazard 5
Repetitive movements (including getting in / out of vehicles)
Hazard 6
Work-related stress bullying and harassment
Hazard 7
Work-related violence
Emergency Response Support
Providing vital health and safety information for diverse emergency responders across Australia.
Health Resources
Access essential health and safety resources tailored for culturally diverse emergency responders in Australia. Contact whs@caldern.org
Recommended Training
Recommending training programs to enhance workplace safety for culturally and linguistically diverse responders. will be located here once appropriate vetting and suitability in the CALD context has been established, Contact whs@caldern.org
Contact Us
Reach out for health and safety information tailored for diverse emergency responders in Australia. Email contact@caldern.org , phone 0432095618 or use the contact form.
My name is Bradley, and I'm an Advocacy Associate at LawFirm.com. I came across Caldern while searching for organizations that support first responders in their community. I am impressed with your dedication to helping firefighters and their loved ones, and I wanted to reach out to you with vital information that can help even more people.
We've prepared an informative guide to serve this community, specifically addressing the overlooked issue of asbestos exposure. The guide's content is crafted to empower these heroes with knowledge and resources to confront the risks associated with asbestos. It highlights the importance of regular health screenings, the role of preventive equipment, and access to a network of financial and medical options.
Given your impactful outreach to the firefighting community, your website is the perfect platform for this guide. The guide is ready for your review, and I'm open to any adjustments to ensure it aligns perfectly with your content standards and the needs of your community.
Bradley Fairless - Advocacy Associate
https://www.lawfirm.com/asbestos/occupations/firefighters/