Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has won a top health and safety award after reducing the number of injuries to firefighters and other staff by almost 40% in three years.
An improvement programme launched by the fire service led to staff injuries dropping from 216 during 2009/10 to 136 in 2011/12 – a fall of 80 casualties (37%).
It came on the back of recommendations by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
RoSPA presented the service with a diamond award – the highest level in the accident prevention charity's quality safety audit (QSA) awards.
Lee Howell, chief fire officer of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: "We were delighted to receive the RoSPA QSA diamond award. We have found the auditing process thorough and helpful in identifying areas for improvement.
"We are particularly proud of the 37 per cent reduction in injuries achieved since the programme began. The service is committed to a zero harm initiative and receiving the highest score level on RoSPA's QSA is an excellent milestone on this path. The service is a much safer workplace for staff and the people we serve."
