Seat Belt Use by Firefighters Supported by NIOSH

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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) added its logo to the National Fire Service Seat Belt Pledge 100% Participation Certificate, according to a press release from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The endorsement by NIOSH reinforces the importance of wearing seat belts to the American Fire Service, according to NIOSH Acting Director Dr. Christine Branche.

NIOSH joins USFA, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation as leading supporters of the Fire Service Seat Belt Pledge Campaign. So far, over 70,000 firefighters have taken the pledge with approximately 300 fire departments receiving a 100% Certificate for getting all personnel to sign the pledge. According to the USFA, the goal of the program is 1,000,000 firefighter signatures and 30,000 fire departments with 100% participation.

U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade said, "We are grateful to NIOSH for adding their logo to the Seat Belt Pledge 100% Certificate. We welcome their participation to further support our efforts to encourage and remind firefighters to buckle up."

Dr. Christine Branche of NIOSH said, "Motor vehicle-related crashes are the second leading cause of death for firefighters, and reducing this toll on our nation's firefighters is a priority for NIOSH. Wearing seat belts is an essential component of efforts to ensure the safety of firefighters in fire apparatus and vehicles."

For more information on the Fire Service Seat Belt Pledge Campaign and to see which fire departments in your state have achieved 100% participation, visit www.trainingdivision.com/seatbeltpledge.asp. There you can access and download the pledge signature form, learn how to receive a 100% Certificate for your organization and receive additional information.