We must step up to protect firefighters
The Scottish Greens are calling for a commitment from the Scottish Government that action will be taken to protect firefighters' health.
Today, Green MSP Maggie Chapman will use a Members’ Business Debate to highlight the Fire Brigade Union’s DECON campaign; to introduce measures to protect firefighters from harm and compensate those whose health is affected.
Research from 2023 shows that firefighters in Scotland are 1.6 times more likely to die from cancer than the general public. They are also at higher risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Previously, the Scottish Government committed to working with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to protect firefighters from harm, but so far there has been very little movement to implement the changes needed.
Maggie said:
“In 20 years time, I hope that we are not looking at the data on firefighters' health and reflecting with regret on what we could have done to better protect the lives of our first responders.
“Scotland’s firefighters risk their lives every day, without hesitation, to keep us safe. Yet, this government has hesitated to take action that would make their lives safer at work and protect their families too. The FBU’s DECON campaign is a series of simple asks that could be implemented very easily.
“When the risks of dying from cancer are 1.6 times higher for firefighters, when they are five times more likely to die from heart attack, almost three times more likely to die from stroke, we should be doing everything we can to reduce these risks.
“The data is already clear, and the statistics will only get starker and starker with each year that passes without action from the government. Firefighters shouldn’t have to plead for the government to do what it takes to make our fire service as safe as possible for years to come.
“If we don’t act now, this will be a scandal requiring apology and compensation in the future. We have the knowledge, tools and clear direction to course correct now and give firefighters the protection and support they deserve.”