Tyler Seddon is a six-year-old boy from Pascoag, RI who is currently in his second battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Tyler is turning seven on March 6th and his birthday wish is to receive Birthday cards from local area firefighters. The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) have been working tirelessly to help to make this young boy’s wish come true.
The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts have be collecting 12,000 Wishes for Tyler in the form of cards and letters at our Headquarters in Boston, MA.
A convoy of fire apparatus from cities & towns throughout Massachusetts will be traveling to RI to deliver our 12,000 Wishes to Tyler on his Birthday.
As of 3PM today, the following Massachusetts Fire Departments have committed fire apparatus to the PFFM 12,000 Wishes for Tyler on 3/6/14.
Currently we have confirmed, 40 Engine Companies, 5 Ladder Companies, 2 Rescue Companies, 3 Ambulances, 1 Lighting Plant, 2 Brush Units, 5 Forestry Unit, 1 Tanker, 5 F350's, 12 Cars. 2 Canteen Trucks.
TOTAL SO FAR: 75 PIECES OF MASSACHUSETTS APPARATUS.
***The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts will be coordinating ALL Massachusetts Fire Apparatus. ***
MASSACHUSETTS FIRE DEPARTMENT APPARATUS STAGING LOCATION WILL BE GILLETTE STADIUM 3/6/14 8:00 AM.
All Massachusetts Fire Departments sending apparatus to RI please contact PFFM Headquarters (617) 523-4506 and sign up, or send an email to info@pffm.org.
Edward L. “Sonny” Burrell, retired Chief Brockton Fire Department, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 15, 2014. Edward was born in Brockton on August 12, 1914, the oldest of three children born to Margaret and Lester Burrell. He was the loving husband of Mary Frances (Hunt) Burrell for 69 years until her death in 2009.
Edward graduated from Brockton High School in 1932 and went to work for C.F. Anderson Markets until joining the Brockton Fire Department in 1939. Mr. Burrell rose quickly through the ranks and was appointed Lieutenant in 1944, Captain in 1948, Deputy Chief in 1954 and Chief of the Department in 1963. He was Chief for 16 years until retiring in 1979. Edward was the last survivor who fought in the Strand Theatre fire on March 10, 1941 in which 13 firefighters lost their lives when the roof caved in.
Edward was an active member of the Brockton Rotary Club for over 40 years and was Sergeant at Arms for many years. He was also a longtime member of the Brockton Historical Society and Fire Museum as well as a member of the Plymouth County Fire Chiefs, Massachusetts Fire Chiefs (Past President), New England Fire Chiefs and International Fire Chiefs.
Edward is survived by two sons, Donald (retired Brockton Principal) with whom he made his home and Robert of Stuart, Florida. Edward is also survived by his two granddaughters, Melissa Audyatis and her husband Michael of Berkley, and Carolyn Burrell of Quincy, two great grand-daughters, Meghan and Katelyn Audyatis, two nephews, Ronald Mullen and his wife Kathy of Whitman, and Paul Mullen and his wife Judy of Oklahoma, his cousins and close friends, Margery and Dr. Joseph Tucci and their daughters Paula and Elizabeth. Edward was also the brother of the late Doris Burrell and Margaret Ligori.
The family would like to thank the members of the Brockton Fire Department for their many acts of kindness shown to their father during his retirement years.
Visitation will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123), Brockton, Sunday, January 19, from 2-6 pm. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home on Monday at 9 am for a Funeral Mass in St. Edith Stein Church at 10 am. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Randolph. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his honor to the Brockton Historical Society Fire Museum, 216 N. Pearl Street, Brockton, MA 02301
If we as American's spend just 5% more on American made products, we can create an economic tidal wave that will create a minimum of 1 million new jobs. Watch this short video to learn more… then share it with 2 friends.
Firefighting overtook construction as the deadliest job in the state in 2011, rising from 5 work-related deaths in 2010 to 13 last year, accounting for 22 percent of all workplace fatalities. In 2010, the construction industry topped the list with 10 on-the-job deaths, but dropped to second place with 8 fatalities. Also on the list for 2011 were the transportation industry with 7 job-related deaths, and three commercial fishermen died to their trade, compared with four in 2010. The human services industry, with workers in the mental health, social services and other areas, lost three employees in 2011. Three people also died doing tree care and removal.
New report
The news is part of a report entitled “Dying to Work in Massachusetts: Loss of Life and Limb in Massachusetts Workplaces. MassCOSH released the report Wednesday, three days before the 23rd Workers’ Memorial Day Saturday, April 28. Of all the information included in the report, one piece stands out the most for Jeff Newton, membership and communications coordinator for MassCOSH.
“What we find most disturbing,” Newton said, “Is that it’s often the same types of accidents leading to death on the job, year after year.”
Motor vehicle-related accidents and falls led the way in 2011, just as they did in 2010. Each accounted for 12 of the 58 work-related deaths last year, combining to make up almost a quarter of all fatalities. The number of transportation-related deaths was the same as in 2010, while deaths resulting from falls rose from nine that year.
The other alarming fact: the 58 workplace deaths last year represented an increase of 11 over the 47 in 2010. It broke a string of four straight years of decline in on-the-job fatalities: from 80 in 2007, to 66 in 2008, 60 in 2009 and 47 in 2010.
Who is dying
Most people recognize the dangers firefighters face each and every day, not unlike their counterparts in law enforcement. And when a firefighter dies, the tributes and memorials are sincere and moving. Still, 13 firefighters lost their lives on the job last year and all but three of them died as the result of cancer or heart disease.
Two, including Worcester’s Jon Davies, died while battling a fire, while another was crushed while working on an emergency vehicle. Davies was 43 when he died Dec. 8 after a triple-decker collapsed during a three-alarm fire.
While active, line-of-duty deaths may capture the public’s attention, occupational cancer is a huge threat to firefighters, especially because of the chemicals and other substances released into the air during a fire.
“Not long ago, we were seeing many cases of black lung and white lung,” Newton said. “There are still certain professions where there are exposures that can lead to these and other complications. It’s not just work-place fatalities, but illnesses. Cancer is a disease commonly associated with firefighting.”
In fact, while most people are well aware of the immediate physical hazards for particular jobs, they may not consider the illnesses that can be contracted. In 2011, an estimated 580 workers died from occupational disease. About 1,800 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Massachusetts last year, also. Additionally, 50,000 other workers were seriously injured.
The average age of an employee who died on the job in 2011 was 49, but the majority of those who died on the job – 54 percent – were 50 and older.
How they are dying
On the job motor vehicle accidents and falls are repeat offenders when it comes to leading causes of worker deaths. It is something that deeply troubles Newton.
“We strongly encourage workplaces to make their workers’ health and safety a main priority of their business,” he said.
Sadly, that is often not the case, especially when it comes to falls in the construction industry. There were 12 total deaths as a result of falling in 2011 – five on construction sites. From 2007-2011, 76 Massachusetts workers died in a fall while working construction. Construction-related falls accounted for 44 of them, or 58 percent. The majority of workers – 25 percent – fell from roofs.
“We find many employers are not providing construction workers with fall protection,” said Newton. “There are many needless deaths each year.”
“We do see similar patters over time,” said Letitia Davis, director of the DPH Occupational Health Surveillance Program. “In terms of absolute numbers of deaths and their rates, that continues to stand out.”
Falls, added Davis, are a “significant problem.” She said there is a national movement to reduce the number of falls in the construction industry.
Temp work dangers
One of the problems, as Newton sees it, is the hiring done by temporary agencies. Often times, he said, those applying for low-skilled labor jobs are immigrants and others who speak little to no English and may have no idea what they’re getting into. Some of these workers show up at a site believing they’re working for the company that’s there, when in fact they’re employed by an agency.
“There is a pool of labor with limited English skills seeking employment in low-skilled jobs,” Newton said. “They are targeted by temp agencies that seek profit over all else. They realize they can bully them around.”
Organizations like MassCOSH stand firmly behind laws such as the “Temporary Worker Right to Know Law,” House Bill 1393. Among other things, it would require employers to provide workers with limited English skills any necessary documents in their native language.
Other causes
Motor vehicle incidents are another concern. They also accounted for 12 job fatalities, half involving a car or truck crash and the other six involving a worker struck or crushed by a vehicle. Workplace violence accounted for six deaths in 2011, including 25-year-old Stephanie Moulton, an assistant manager at the North Suffolk Mental Health residential home. She was abducted and killed by a client while working on Jan. 20 last year.
Five drowning deaths occurred last year, three of them in the commercial fishing industry.
Firefighters’ deadly burden
Having ascended to the top of list of deadliest jobs, firefighters find themselves in the spotlight once more. Most people know the job is dangerous, but many may not consider the dangers posed not just while battling a fire, but long after the last embers have burned. With 10 firefighters succumbing to cancer or heart disease last year, greater attention should be turned on many other they face, according to Davis.
“Firefighters face a broad range of hazards, from death to exposure to harmful chemicals and other elements,” Davis said. “There’s also the stress that goes along with that job. It’s a high-risk industry.”
No one has to tell that to Edward Kelly, president of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts. He has seen the numbers – but more importantly, he and thousands of other firefighters have lived them.
“The data clearly shows as firefighters we’re exposed to carcinogens,” Kelly said. “We have an extremely high likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer, lung disease and cardiac events. That is due to the exposure to so many different things, the high stress over many, many years and the extreme rush of adrenaline to the heart.”
Knowing they could die at any time comes with the job, but doesn’t make it any easier, according to Dennis Leger, executive aide to the Springfield Fire Commissioner.
“Nobody’s looking to come to work and not come home,” he said. “But things happen very quickly in this business. Firefighting is an inherently dangerous profession. The numbers are an indicator that it's the nature of the best. But a well-trained and well-equipped firefighter is a safe firefighter.”
That has been one of the problems of late, Kelly said. Money has been tight and cuts have been made. That has unfortunately led to an increase in injuries and accidents.
“In these challenging economic times, often fire departments become the chopping block for local budgets,” Kelly said. “Things like replacing fire apparatus, investing in training and maintaining and providing the newest equipment suffer. Firefighters are often forced to do more with less.”
Dangers in other areas
Moulton probably wasn’t expecting that Jan. 20, 2011 would be her last day alive, but it was. She was one six people killed while working last year. Budget cuts and other factors can all be pointed to as factors, but there are steps being taken to protect employees from workplace violence, especially human service workers. One involves a push to pass “An Act to Promote Public Health through Workplace Safety for Social Workers,” House Bill 592 and Senate Bill 1206.
Stephanie’s Law, which has been pushed by Moulton’s mother and sponsored by Senator Fred Berry, D-Peabody, would require social service workers, who often work in isolated circumstances, to carry an emergency device similar to that often made available to senior citizens. The worker would be able to click a button and send an immediate emergency signal to authorities. MassCOSH sees that as a necessity.
“Some social workers work with clients by themselves,” Newton said. “They should not be working alone at any time of day or night. It can expose them to a client who is not in a state mind ideal for the safety and health of the worker.”
A stronger OSHA
Davis said much as has been done to try to increase workplace safety, citing Gov. Deval Patrick’s Executive Order 511, which he signed in 2009. The order established the Massachusetts Employee Safety and Health Advisory Committee and signaled the state’s commitment to providing a healthy and safe working environment.
But one of the most important steps that can be taken, according to Newton, is to properly staff and fund local Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration OSHAchapters. He also lamented the fact that Massachusetts is one of only a handful of states that does not have OSHA protection for state employees.
“OSHA has been responsible for a fantastic reduction in workplace fatalities and injuries,” he said. “It is a fantastic tool. It is understaffed and underfunded. Another problem is many times the fines they assess are just a couple thousand dollars. A lot of employers find it cheaper just to pay the fine and not pay for new equipment.”
The state Legislature would have to vote to adopt OSHA protection for state workers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Monoxide and CO Poisoning
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.
Where is CO found?
CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.
How does CO poisoning work?
Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death. CO can also combine with proteins in tissues, destroying the tissues and causing injury and death.
How Can I Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure?
DO have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
DO install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.
DO seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
DON’T use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
DON’T run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
DON’T burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't properly vented.
BOSTON - At the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital’s newest facility in Charlestown today, President Ed Kelly, of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts was joined by leaders of every Boston Public Safety Union as they presented a check in the amount of $214,989.00 from the Boston First Responder’s Fund for the Marathon Victims, to the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.
The Boston First Responders Fund for the Marathon Victims “was the idea of Sergeant Detective Daniel Keeler, one of the hero’s of Marathon Monday, who helped organize the chaos on Boylston Street and utilized police wagons to transport the seriously injured people to emergency rooms” said President Kelly during an interview on Fox25 today. Almost immediately after the incident the leadership of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, Boston Fire Fighters Local 718, Boston Police Patrolman’s Association, Boston Police Superior Officers Federation, Boston Police Patrolman’s EMS Division and Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society, joined forces to raise money for the victims and their families.
“The Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is the leading facility for rehabilitation in New England” said Ed Kelly on Fox25, “Every victim required some type of rehab, and Spaulding is as good as it gets. We are proud to partner with the Spaulding, to make sure the victims get the help the need and deserve.” In an interview following the presentation, Kelly said “Spaulding Councillors and physicians have worked tirelessly to address victims physical and emotional trauma. They have also developed custom prosthetics for amputees and provided the necessary rehabilitation, their work really is remarkable”.
Tyler Seddon is a six-year-old boy from Pascoag, RI who is currently in his second battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Tyler is turning seven on March 6th and his birthday wish is to receive Birthday cards from local area firefighters. The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) have been working tirelessly to help to make this young boy’s wish come true.
The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts have be collecting 12,000 Wishes for Tyler in the form of cards and letters at our Headquarters in Boston, MA.
A convoy of fire apparatus from cities & towns throughout Massachusetts will be traveling to RI to deliver our 12,000 Wishes to Tyler on his Birthday.
As of 3PM today, the following Massachusetts Fire Departments have committed fire apparatus to the PFFM 12,000 Wishes for Tyler on 3/6/14.
Currently we have confirmed, 40 Engine Companies, 5 Ladder Companies, 2 Rescue Companies, 3 Ambulances, 1 Lighting Plant, 2 Brush Units, 5 Forestry Unit, 1 Tanker, 5 F350's, 12 Cars. 2 Canteen Trucks.
TOTAL SO FAR: 75 PIECES OF MASSACHUSETTS APPARATUS.
***The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts will be coordinating ALL Massachusetts Fire Apparatus. ***
MASSACHUSETTS FIRE DEPARTMENT APPARATUS STAGING LOCATION WILL BE GILLETTE STADIUM 3/6/14 8:00 AM.
All Massachusetts Fire Departments sending apparatus to RI please contact PFFM Headquarters (617) 523-4506 and sign up, or send an email to info@pffm.org.
Edward L. “Sonny” Burrell, retired Chief Brockton Fire Department, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 15, 2014. Edward was born in Brockton on August 12, 1914, the oldest of three children born to Margaret and Lester Burrell. He was the loving husband of Mary Frances (Hunt) Burrell for 69 years until her death in 2009.
Edward graduated from Brockton High School in 1932 and went to work for C.F. Anderson Markets until joining the Brockton Fire Department in 1939. Mr. Burrell rose quickly through the ranks and was appointed Lieutenant in 1944, Captain in 1948, Deputy Chief in 1954 and Chief of the Department in 1963. He was Chief for 16 years until retiring in 1979. Edward was the last survivor who fought in the Strand Theatre fire on March 10, 1941 in which 13 firefighters lost their lives when the roof caved in.
Edward was an active member of the Brockton Rotary Club for over 40 years and was Sergeant at Arms for many years. He was also a longtime member of the Brockton Historical Society and Fire Museum as well as a member of the Plymouth County Fire Chiefs, Massachusetts Fire Chiefs (Past President), New England Fire Chiefs and International Fire Chiefs.
Edward is survived by two sons, Donald (retired Brockton Principal) with whom he made his home and Robert of Stuart, Florida. Edward is also survived by his two granddaughters, Melissa Audyatis and her husband Michael of Berkley, and Carolyn Burrell of Quincy, two great grand-daughters, Meghan and Katelyn Audyatis, two nephews, Ronald Mullen and his wife Kathy of Whitman, and Paul Mullen and his wife Judy of Oklahoma, his cousins and close friends, Margery and Dr. Joseph Tucci and their daughters Paula and Elizabeth. Edward was also the brother of the late Doris Burrell and Margaret Ligori.
The family would like to thank the members of the Brockton Fire Department for their many acts of kindness shown to their father during his retirement years.
Visitation will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123), Brockton, Sunday, January 19, from 2-6 pm. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home on Monday at 9 am for a Funeral Mass in St. Edith Stein Church at 10 am. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Randolph. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his honor to the Brockton Historical Society Fire Museum, 216 N. Pearl Street, Brockton, MA 02301
If we as American's spend just 5% more on American made products, we can create an economic tidal wave that will create a minimum of 1 million new jobs. Watch this short video to learn more… then share it with 2 friends.
Firefighting overtook construction as the deadliest job in the state in 2011, rising from 5 work-related deaths in 2010 to 13 last year, accounting for 22 percent of all workplace fatalities. In 2010, the construction industry topped the list with 10 on-the-job deaths, but dropped to second place with 8 fatalities. Also on the list for 2011 were the transportation industry with 7 job-related deaths, and three commercial fishermen died to their trade, compared with four in 2010. The human services industry, with workers in the mental health, social services and other areas, lost three employees in 2011. Three people also died doing tree care and removal.
New report
The news is part of a report entitled “Dying to Work in Massachusetts: Loss of Life and Limb in Massachusetts Workplaces. MassCOSH released the report Wednesday, three days before the 23rd Workers’ Memorial Day Saturday, April 28. Of all the information included in the report, one piece stands out the most for Jeff Newton, membership and communications coordinator for MassCOSH.
“What we find most disturbing,” Newton said, “Is that it’s often the same types of accidents leading to death on the job, year after year.”
Motor vehicle-related accidents and falls led the way in 2011, just as they did in 2010. Each accounted for 12 of the 58 work-related deaths last year, combining to make up almost a quarter of all fatalities. The number of transportation-related deaths was the same as in 2010, while deaths resulting from falls rose from nine that year.
The other alarming fact: the 58 workplace deaths last year represented an increase of 11 over the 47 in 2010. It broke a string of four straight years of decline in on-the-job fatalities: from 80 in 2007, to 66 in 2008, 60 in 2009 and 47 in 2010.
Who is dying
Most people recognize the dangers firefighters face each and every day, not unlike their counterparts in law enforcement. And when a firefighter dies, the tributes and memorials are sincere and moving. Still, 13 firefighters lost their lives on the job last year and all but three of them died as the result of cancer or heart disease.
Two, including Worcester’s Jon Davies, died while battling a fire, while another was crushed while working on an emergency vehicle. Davies was 43 when he died Dec. 8 after a triple-decker collapsed during a three-alarm fire.
While active, line-of-duty deaths may capture the public’s attention, occupational cancer is a huge threat to firefighters, especially because of the chemicals and other substances released into the air during a fire.
“Not long ago, we were seeing many cases of black lung and white lung,” Newton said. “There are still certain professions where there are exposures that can lead to these and other complications. It’s not just work-place fatalities, but illnesses. Cancer is a disease commonly associated with firefighting.”
In fact, while most people are well aware of the immediate physical hazards for particular jobs, they may not consider the illnesses that can be contracted. In 2011, an estimated 580 workers died from occupational disease. About 1,800 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Massachusetts last year, also. Additionally, 50,000 other workers were seriously injured.
The average age of an employee who died on the job in 2011 was 49, but the majority of those who died on the job – 54 percent – were 50 and older.
How they are dying
On the job motor vehicle accidents and falls are repeat offenders when it comes to leading causes of worker deaths. It is something that deeply troubles Newton.
“We strongly encourage workplaces to make their workers’ health and safety a main priority of their business,” he said.
Sadly, that is often not the case, especially when it comes to falls in the construction industry. There were 12 total deaths as a result of falling in 2011 – five on construction sites. From 2007-2011, 76 Massachusetts workers died in a fall while working construction. Construction-related falls accounted for 44 of them, or 58 percent. The majority of workers – 25 percent – fell from roofs.
“We find many employers are not providing construction workers with fall protection,” said Newton. “There are many needless deaths each year.”
“We do see similar patters over time,” said Letitia Davis, director of the DPH Occupational Health Surveillance Program. “In terms of absolute numbers of deaths and their rates, that continues to stand out.”
Falls, added Davis, are a “significant problem.” She said there is a national movement to reduce the number of falls in the construction industry.
Temp work dangers
One of the problems, as Newton sees it, is the hiring done by temporary agencies. Often times, he said, those applying for low-skilled labor jobs are immigrants and others who speak little to no English and may have no idea what they’re getting into. Some of these workers show up at a site believing they’re working for the company that’s there, when in fact they’re employed by an agency.
“There is a pool of labor with limited English skills seeking employment in low-skilled jobs,” Newton said. “They are targeted by temp agencies that seek profit over all else. They realize they can bully them around.”
Organizations like MassCOSH stand firmly behind laws such as the “Temporary Worker Right to Know Law,” House Bill 1393. Among other things, it would require employers to provide workers with limited English skills any necessary documents in their native language.
Other causes
Motor vehicle incidents are another concern. They also accounted for 12 job fatalities, half involving a car or truck crash and the other six involving a worker struck or crushed by a vehicle. Workplace violence accounted for six deaths in 2011, including 25-year-old Stephanie Moulton, an assistant manager at the North Suffolk Mental Health residential home. She was abducted and killed by a client while working on Jan. 20 last year.
Five drowning deaths occurred last year, three of them in the commercial fishing industry.
Firefighters’ deadly burden
Having ascended to the top of list of deadliest jobs, firefighters find themselves in the spotlight once more. Most people know the job is dangerous, but many may not consider the dangers posed not just while battling a fire, but long after the last embers have burned. With 10 firefighters succumbing to cancer or heart disease last year, greater attention should be turned on many other they face, according to Davis.
“Firefighters face a broad range of hazards, from death to exposure to harmful chemicals and other elements,” Davis said. “There’s also the stress that goes along with that job. It’s a high-risk industry.”
No one has to tell that to Edward Kelly, president of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts. He has seen the numbers – but more importantly, he and thousands of other firefighters have lived them.
“The data clearly shows as firefighters we’re exposed to carcinogens,” Kelly said. “We have an extremely high likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer, lung disease and cardiac events. That is due to the exposure to so many different things, the high stress over many, many years and the extreme rush of adrenaline to the heart.”
Knowing they could die at any time comes with the job, but doesn’t make it any easier, according to Dennis Leger, executive aide to the Springfield Fire Commissioner.
“Nobody’s looking to come to work and not come home,” he said. “But things happen very quickly in this business. Firefighting is an inherently dangerous profession. The numbers are an indicator that it's the nature of the best. But a well-trained and well-equipped firefighter is a safe firefighter.”
That has been one of the problems of late, Kelly said. Money has been tight and cuts have been made. That has unfortunately led to an increase in injuries and accidents.
“In these challenging economic times, often fire departments become the chopping block for local budgets,” Kelly said. “Things like replacing fire apparatus, investing in training and maintaining and providing the newest equipment suffer. Firefighters are often forced to do more with less.”
Dangers in other areas
Moulton probably wasn’t expecting that Jan. 20, 2011 would be her last day alive, but it was. She was one six people killed while working last year. Budget cuts and other factors can all be pointed to as factors, but there are steps being taken to protect employees from workplace violence, especially human service workers. One involves a push to pass “An Act to Promote Public Health through Workplace Safety for Social Workers,” House Bill 592 and Senate Bill 1206.
Stephanie’s Law, which has been pushed by Moulton’s mother and sponsored by Senator Fred Berry, D-Peabody, would require social service workers, who often work in isolated circumstances, to carry an emergency device similar to that often made available to senior citizens. The worker would be able to click a button and send an immediate emergency signal to authorities. MassCOSH sees that as a necessity.
“Some social workers work with clients by themselves,” Newton said. “They should not be working alone at any time of day or night. It can expose them to a client who is not in a state mind ideal for the safety and health of the worker.”
A stronger OSHA
Davis said much as has been done to try to increase workplace safety, citing Gov. Deval Patrick’s Executive Order 511, which he signed in 2009. The order established the Massachusetts Employee Safety and Health Advisory Committee and signaled the state’s commitment to providing a healthy and safe working environment.
But one of the most important steps that can be taken, according to Newton, is to properly staff and fund local Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration OSHAchapters. He also lamented the fact that Massachusetts is one of only a handful of states that does not have OSHA protection for state employees.
“OSHA has been responsible for a fantastic reduction in workplace fatalities and injuries,” he said. “It is a fantastic tool. It is understaffed and underfunded. Another problem is many times the fines they assess are just a couple thousand dollars. A lot of employers find it cheaper just to pay the fine and not pay for new equipment.”
The state Legislature would have to vote to adopt OSHA protection for state workers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Monoxide and CO Poisoning
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.
Where is CO found?
CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.
How does CO poisoning work?
Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death. CO can also combine with proteins in tissues, destroying the tissues and causing injury and death.
How Can I Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure?
DO have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
DO install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.
DO seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
DON’T use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
DON’T run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
DON’T burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't properly vented.
BOSTON - At the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital’s newest facility in Charlestown today, President Ed Kelly, of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts was joined by leaders of every Boston Public Safety Union as they presented a check in the amount of $214,989.00 from the Boston First Responder’s Fund for the Marathon Victims, to the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.
The Boston First Responders Fund for the Marathon Victims “was the idea of Sergeant Detective Daniel Keeler, one of the hero’s of Marathon Monday, who helped organize the chaos on Boylston Street and utilized police wagons to transport the seriously injured people to emergency rooms” said President Kelly during an interview on Fox25 today. Almost immediately after the incident the leadership of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, Boston Fire Fighters Local 718, Boston Police Patrolman’s Association, Boston Police Superior Officers Federation, Boston Police Patrolman’s EMS Division and Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society, joined forces to raise money for the victims and their families.
“The Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is the leading facility for rehabilitation in New England” said Ed Kelly on Fox25, “Every victim required some type of rehab, and Spaulding is as good as it gets. We are proud to partner with the Spaulding, to make sure the victims get the help the need and deserve.” In an interview following the presentation, Kelly said “Spaulding Councillors and physicians have worked tirelessly to address victims physical and emotional trauma. They have also developed custom prosthetics for amputees and provided the necessary rehabilitation, their work really is remarkable”.
