New campaign promoting safety for emergency responders

A new campaign striving to make workplaces more safe after hours for emergency responders launched on Sunday.

Put Yourself in Our Boots hopes to get people thinking about safety in workplaces to reduce preventable injuries and fatalities for emergency crews.

The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund helped launch the Western Canada campaign on Sunday afternoon.

The fund was set up after John Petropoulos, a Calgary police officer, died in 2000 while responding to a warehouse break-and-enter where he stepped through a false ceiling.

Ian Wilson, a campaign spokesperson, tells 660News companies can be pro-active when it comes to after-hours emergency safety by clearing tools, debris and other hazards, and covering holes.

He adds companies should consider what responders would have to contend with during a stressful emergency situation.

The Put Yourself in Our Boots campaign will air public service announcements on television starting Monday.

For more information visit www.OurBoots.ca.