AN EMERGENCY services worker who wrote an essential handbook about death in the workplace has been made recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service health and safety manager Veronica Adlam, from Waltham Abbey, was inspired to write the document following the Harrow Court tower block fire in February 2005.

The shocking incident resulted in two Hertfordshire firefighters and a member of the public losing their lives.

Ms Adlam’s MBE for services to firefighter safety was announced on Friday.

Feeling there was a gap in support for fire services facing the loss of colleagues in tragic circumstances, Mrs Adlam published her guide Death in the Workplace Guidance in 2006.

The document has since become an essential handbook for fire services and colleagues nationwide.

Speaking about her nomination, Mrs Adlam, of Waltham Abbey, said: “I was astonished, I had to read it multiple times before it sank in.

“I thought it was a mistake, but I feel incredibly privileged and humbled to accept this accolade for services to firefighter safety. In my role as the health and safety manager there have been some challenging times, but my number one priority throughout this time has been to improve working conditions for firefighters.”

Mrs Adlam has worked for the Hertfordshire service for almost 19 years, joining as the first non-uniformed health and safety adviser. She is a chartered member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and a member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Managers (IIRSM).

Her handbook was published across all fire and safety units by The Chief Fire Officers Association (now known as the National Fire Chiefs Council) in May 2013.

Other major incidents Mrs Adlam drew inspiration from included working with a senior officer on the investigation into the death of a fire officer in 2007.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s director for community protection, Darryl Keen, said: “The whole of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service is immensely proud of Veronica whose MBE is so richly deserved in recognition of her many years of hard, diligent and dedicated work. We are delighted that Veronica’s abiding commitment to fire service safety has made such a positive impact on the UK fire and rescue services.”

“We are extremely fortunate to have her as a colleague and wish her many congratulations on the announcement of this prestigious award.”

Cabinet Member for community safety and waste management, Cllr Terry Hone, said: “On behalf of Hertfordshire residents, may I take this opportunity to congratulate Veronica on being recognised with an MBE.

“She, like many of her colleagues, are true professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of firefighters and all of us.

“This very special award recognises the unique contribution she has made towards fire safety locally and nationally. Well done Veronica”

Mrs Adlam will be presented with her MBE this autumn.