Introduction
May 2004

The Forest Service Fire Operations Safety Council is pleased to introduce “Safety Zone", a newsletter written for Forest Service firefighters and fire program managers. “Safety Zone” will serve as a forum to present and discuss safety concepts and ideas that are intended to be useful to you, the man and woman getting the job done on the ground.

Our goal in publishing “Safety Zone” is to help the Forest Service fire community improve the ability of individuals and the organization to work safely and effectively. We will seek out and share information and learning from other high-risk organizations where safety and individual responsibility go hand in hand, and where the cost of failure is often high.

“Safety Zone” will not be used to regurgitate readily available information, policy, or practices. Rather, the goal is to highlight the ways other successful organizations approach human performance, leadership, personal responsibility, and decision-making in high-stress, high-risk, and high-consequence work... all with the focus of improving firefighter safety and effectiveness.

The COUNCIL believes that developing a safe work ethic is a never-ending process that must be part of every high-performing firefighter's development, and that there is much to be learned by exploring the successes and failures of others.

OUR VISION	Regardless of the mission, the challenge or the environment, Forest Service employees engaged in fire management and all-risk incident responsibilities are safe, effective, and error resilient.
OUR MISSION	To promote a comprehensive, proactive and recognizable program that significantly advances the safety and effectiveness of all Forest Service Employees.
OUR GOAL	Improve employee performance through information transfer and education with an emphasis on Strong Leadership, a Comprehensive Operational Approach, and Focused Action.

Our objective is that “Safety Zone” takes you to places and sites with innovative ideas, different ways of thinking, and new methods that can reshape your thinking and help you become a more safe and effective high performing firefighter while performing your job.

As the first issues of “Safety Zone” are published, we want to hear your input, suggestions, and criticisms. Please contact Mike Apicello, or any of the Council members identified on the Council Members page.

Print Version

 

Safety Council's web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/safety/council/