Senate Enquiry Bushfires (2019 – 2020)

AIOH Submission to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee

Lessons to be learned in relation to the Australian bushfire season 2019-20

Firefighting is an extremely dangerous occupation. It is also an occupation in which firefighters are exposed to a wide range of hazardous air pollutants, which can result in both short and long-term adverse health effects. There is a significant body of research that has examined both pollutants and health consequences, yet despite this, there is still no adequate protective health framework for bushfire firefighters. The AIOH has sought to identify some gaps in the protection of firefighters’ health and has accordingly made four recommendations.