The widow of a decorated Sheffield fireman who died earlier this year has launched a letter-writing campaign for safer working conditions for firefighters.
Anne Davies, 67, of Ecclesall, watched her husband Jeff Simpson die in her arms on 11 April, less than 20 hours after a lung cancer diagnosis.
Jeff had served in fire brigades across the country for 35 years, and received numerous awards for gallantry after saving a 14-year-old from drowning at the London Docks.
She now believes that years of workplace exposure to toxic hazards and a lack of adequate health screening may have contributed to his death, and that existing PPE and guidance were not enough to protect him.
Anne began researching the causes of lung conditions in firefighters shortly after Jeff passed away, and said: “I felt frustrated that this wasn’t being discussed, and angry that his lung cancer hadn’t been identified earlier.
“Jeff died too young, too suddenly, and it has left a hole in our family that cannot ever be filled.”
Many firefighters develop lung cancer as a complication of interstitial lung disease (ILD), a complex of illnesses which cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs. Studies from the United States show that firefighters are four times more likely to develop ILD than the general population.
Firefighters may also be exposed to a variety of other airborne carcinogens, such as asbestos, silica, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Anne is encouraging current and former firefighters to contact their GPs and request that their profession be added to their medical records. She is also lobbying for regular health screenings, and better guidance on workplace hazards & proper disposal of protective equipment such as breathing apparatus (BA).
A fire engine outside of Sheffield Central Fire Station. Credit: author.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has thrown its resources behind the campaign, providing members with a letter template for their GPs and a range of resources on decontamination best practices.
The FBU’s centennial lottery funds further research into links between cancer and fire contaminants at the University of Lancashire.
Gavin Marshall, regional secretary of the FBU for Yorkshire and Humberside, argues that both improved funding for fire services and effective legislation on hazardous materials are needed to improve health outcomes, particularly in cities such as Sheffield.
He cites the importance of readily-available safety infrastructure, such as industrial washing machines or mobile PPE disposal facilities, to preventing the build-up of contaminants, saying: “If we have those national standards, we don’t end up with a postcode lottery where London has all the equipment they need but South Yorkshire only has one or two items”.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue emphasised that the health and safety of their employees is a top priority, and that they have taken numerous steps to reduce the risk of exposure to contaminants.
They said: “Our thoughts go out to Anne and all of the family and friends of Jeff Simpson for their tragic loss.”
Anne described Jeff as a lifelong campaigner, socialist and trade unionist, and hopes that her campaign will continue his legacy of commitment to equality and fairness.
She said: “If Jeff’s passing can help raise awareness and drive change for other firefighters, and stop their families losing a loved one too soon like we have, I know he would be extremely proud.”
