Case Studies

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) Contacted RCES (UK) Ltd in January 2010 having been a client for a number of years enjoying the provision of health and safety training. HWFRS had recently undertaken a safety audit of their management systems and were sceptical of the result. After an initial consultation meeting RCES were able to provide a specific format with prepared questionnaires to carry out a targeted safety audit. The areas of concern were carefully selected and questions were designed to be matched against performance criteria which was to be observed and in some cases photographically recorded.
The audit targeted several areas to give a fair representation of the overall operational and support mechanisms of the service, compliance with legislation and understanding of topics were audited using interview, questionnaires, observation and review of documentation.
The process took three weeks with an RCES consultant working within HWFRS based at the HQ building in Worcester allowing familiarity with key staff and processes. RCES were selected for the task as a result of the vast experience in fire service safety over a number of years.
The RCES auditor visited stations and support services in Droitwich, Malvern, Evesham, Stourport and Hereford covering equipment, vehicles, buildings, practical skills, training and breathing apparatus.
The final report was delivered to the management team in three sets of bound documents and a presentation of findings was delivered by an RCES director. The audit provided some in depth investigation into impact of processes as well looking into calculated outcomes for potential failures. The fire service required a practical approach to auditing in preference to a measurement of performance according to policy and documents. RCES were able to provide a full picture of the actual position of the service and a measurement of the staff understanding of procedures from senior management to fire-fighters including support roles. HWFRS were now fully aware of strength and weaknesses in practical safety and are addressing this with procedural change to enhance the excellent safety policy and documented procedures. The process was completed by April 2010 the remedial action is ongoing as part of continued improvements procedure.

see also:
West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service
Cornish Crabbers
Profile of RCES (UK) Ltd Executive Director