From carbon paper to digital precision, frontline safety is evolving and the future is already here. 

When it comes to fire safety, the most important work happens before there’s ever a flame. It starts with the checks, the maintenance, the systems — and the people doing the work, often unnoticed, but critical. 

At the WHS Show, Gregory Keighery, Acting Station Officer at Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), offered a glimpse into this invisible frontline. His message wasn’t just about fire services. It was about a deeper shift underway across high-risk industries: from outdated, paper-based processes to real-time, digital safety ecosystems. From fragmented actions to unified, accountable systems. From reactive to proactive. 

And at the heart of that transformation? The tools frontline teams use — and whether those tools help them keep people safe. 

The digital frontline 

For years, fire safety inspections at FRV were bogged down in inefficiency. Manual forms. Cameras and clipboards. Days between an inspection and an actionable report. The intent was there — but the system wasn’t fit for the pace or stakes of modern safety. 

“We’d go to site with a camera and a notepad,” Keighery explained. “We’d write down issues, take photos, then go back to the office and type up the report. It could take days to finalise — and that’s before it even reached council.” 

That has changed. Today, inspections are completed digitally, in real time, using tailored templates that align with Australian standards and the National Construction Code. 

“With our new digital inspection system, we’re reducing reporting time by two full days. But more importantly, we’re improving consistency, accuracy, and accountability.” 

This evolution isn’t just faster — it’s smarter. And more importantly, it’s safer. 

Consistency isn’t a buzzword  

Keighery underscored one of the most critical advantages of digitization: standardization. By using templated reports, new recruits and seasoned officers now follow the same process, answer the same questions, and produce consistent documentation — regardless of who’s on shift. 

“We’ve even customized templates for post-incident inspections requested by the coroner,” he said. “Having the evidence embedded in a consistent format improves reliability and helps support any legal or procedural action.” 

It’s a powerful reminder that behind every digital form is a much bigger principle: visibility enables accountability. And accountability protects lives. 

A connected system of care 

Digital transformation at FRV doesn’t end with inspections. From medical responses to incident reporting, frontline teams are being empowered with real-time tools that improve care and flag issues before they escalate. 

“This data helps us spot patterns, provide better care, and even flag crews that may need mental health support after difficult events,” said Keighery. 

It’s a holistic approach to health, safety, and wellbeing — where people and data are connected, and leaders can act before risks become consequences. 

And in the future? 

“Imagine a collision involving a fire truck. Instead of paper-based accident reports, we’re working on systems that instantly notify headquarters, dispatch support crews, and give us real-time insights. That’s the next frontier.” 

This is what transformation looks like: connected teams, immediate action, and better decisions — all built on real-time visibility. 

Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling 

Despite these innovations, Keighery made it clear: some risks remain frustratingly basic. Blocked exits. Expired extinguishers. Missing plans. The root problem? Compliance without accountability. 

That’s why FRV is now advocating for a licensing scheme for fire safety providers, pushing for higher quality standards across the board. 

“It’s not enough to tick a box. We need quality control, consistency, and oversight,” he said. 

Safety shouldn’t depend on luck or paperwork. It should be built into systems, visible in workflows, and owned by everyone involved. 

What every industry can take from the fireground 

Fire services may operate in high-stakes environments, but the lessons are universal. Whether you’re in construction, healthcare, logistics, or manufacturing, your frontline is your first line of defence. 

And how well your frontline performs comes down to what you equip them with: clarity, consistency, and the right tools. 

About Greg Keighery

Gregory Keighery is Acting Station Officer at Fire Rescue Victoria, driving digital innovation to enhance frontline safety. Connect with Gregory on LinkedIn to learn more about his work transforming fire safety through technology.