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Ramsey, Nowthen, St. Francis, Oak Grove, and Bethel, Minnesota <br />Feasibility Study for Shared or Cooperative Fire and Emergency Services <br />Shared Health and Safety Programs <br />The health and safety of firefighters is critical. Establishing a shared approach to addressing these needs <br />in the Ramsey area can be beneficial to all five organizations. <br />Develop a Regional Health and Safety Program I Timeline: Short term <br />Objective: Provide a fire -service related health and safety program <br />Summary Background: A single method and source for providing occupational and health services may <br />provide savings through economies of scale and reduced worker's compensation costs. The Minnesota <br />Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), provides guidance on the formation and management of health <br />and safety program. Additionally, NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and <br />Health Programs, provides the minimum requirements for a fire -service related occupational safety and <br />health program. <br />Policy Action: Identify applicable requirements and standards for safety committees as established by <br />Minnesota statute. Meet with representatives of both organizations to develop a jointly administered <br />safety program. Determine required and desired specifications for an occupational safety and health <br />program. Create a single personnel policy for occupational safety and health. Conduct baseline testing for <br />firefighters without previous audio and lung function baseline records. <br />Pro Con <br />• Improves health and safety of all personnel • Will increase costs of those departments that do <br />across the region not currently operate a comprehensive health <br />• Ensures that all personnel are receiving the and safety program. <br />same health benefits <br />• Can potentially identify high risk personnel and <br />allow for pre-treatment of serious conditions <br />Fiscal Considerations: <br />• Occupational medicine programs are often menu driven. Items selected for inclusion in the program <br />determine the final cost. <br />• Additional financial factors involve whether the fire departments elect to exceed mandated <br />requirements, perform some of the occupational medicine functions internally, or consolidate the <br />occupational medicine program with interrelated programs. <br />• Interrelating programs that share functions include wellness, infectious disease, FIT testing, EMS, and <br />hazardous materials. <br />page 114 <br />merscncy Sernoci Con.ainnp <br />