Towards an understanding of learning within the Norwegian fire and rescue services – focusing on tunnel fire safety

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study how learning within the fire and rescue services may be conceptualized, with special attention paid to tunnel fire safety. Previous studies have developed a model to understand learning in emergency response work. The concept of learning is extended from observed changes in relevant settings to also encompass confirmation of existing knowledge and comprehension of existing practices. We are interested in investigating the properties of the learning model and identifying the mechanisms that influence fire and rescue personnel’s experiences of change, confirmation and/or comprehension. Design/methodology/approach This study relies on quantitative data obtained from a questionnaire answered by 939 Norwegian fire and rescue personnel. Multivariate methods have been used to identify the measurement model and the structural relations of the factors. Findings The results confirm the theoretical model and indicate that the outcome of learning is influenced by elements of content, context, commitment, decision-making and response and reflection, and that the influence of content and commitment on the outcome of learning is partially indirect and mediated through reflection. Originality/value To date, no systematic analysis has been conducted to investigate the factorial structure, as well as the interactions and relationship between the model’s components. This study makes an important contribution to a detailed understanding of learning within the fire and rescue services.

In-company training in a safety-critical industry: lessons from the aircraft industry

“…From the results, insights can be drawn for in-company training in other safety-critical industries such as oil, chemicals or medicine. In these industries, too, the potential of informal learning (through mistakes, incidents and experience) cannot be fully exploited (Bjørnsen et al , 2022; Cuvelier, 2019; Murphy et al , 2021). The findings on structuring and formalising activities at the individual and social level as well as at the level of work organisation in the aviation industry can also be used in other production-oriented sectors with safety-critical characteristics, such as the chemical industry.…”

“…The promotion of reflection on one's own actions is a key element of learning (Kolb, 1984). It is important in research on learning in the workplace (Billett, 1999) and in the safety critical work environment (Bjørnsen et al , 2022). The importance of a positive error culture is also emphasised in the literature on safety culture.…”

“…Eraut and Hirsch (2007) point out that a newcomer can only become an expert if they are given the opportunity to expand their knowledge, make their own decisions, apply their knowledge in different situations, evaluate their own performance and reflect on their work. Continuous reflection is seen as key to learning success in safety-critical work environments (Bjørnsen et al, 2022).…”