SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 52

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

James G. Taylor

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING A STUDY OF THE DANGERS OF FIREFIGHTING AND HOW TO MITIGATE AND COMPENSATE THOSE DANGERS.

     WHEREAS, firefighting is an inherently dangerous occupation, and firefighters, including emergency medical services personnel, are very often exposed to smoke and fumes; poisonous, toxic and chemical substances; and dangerous contagious or infectious diseases; and

     WHEREAS, firefighters are also prone to stress-related diseases and disorders; and

     WHEREAS, current and former firefighters have high rates of cardiovascular disease, cancers, autoimmune diseases and other conditions arising from their public service employment;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the workers' compensation administration be requested to study the dangers of firefighting and the adequacy and suitability of disability and death benefits under the New Mexico Occupational Disease Disablement Law or other statutory or common law provisions; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state fire marshal, the department of health and the university of New Mexico health sciences center be requested to participate in the study to provide medical, epidemiological and other technical assistance to the workers' compensation administration; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study consider the need for additional equipment and training to protect firefighters and the need for and elements of a medical monitoring program for firefighters; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the workers' compensation administration keep the interim legislative health and human services committee apprised of the study's progress and its final findings and recommendations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the workers' compensation administration, the state fire marshal, the department of health and the university of New Mexico health sciences center.

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