If a firefighter shows signs of personal problems affecting attendance, the recommended action is to:

• A. Ignore the problem
• B. Encourage seeking help through the Employee Assistance Program
• C. Discipline without discussion
• D. Suggest retirement

Answer: (B)

Addressing attendance problems tied to personal issues requires offering support and access to help rather than punishment. Encouraging the firefighter to use the Employee Assistance Program is the best approach because EAPs provide confidential, voluntary assessments, counseling, and referrals for a range of personal problems that can affect job performance, including stress, mental health, substance use, and family issues. By guiding them to the EAP, you promote early intervention, help address the root causes, protect safety and reliability on the job, and reduce stigma around seeking help. A supervisor should approach the employee privately, express genuine concern for their well-being, explain that help is available, offer to connect them with the EAP, and agree on a follow-up plan to monitor progress. Confidentiality is typically maintained, and participation is voluntary, so this path supports the worker while also supporting the department’s needs. Ignoring the problem fails to mitigate risk; disciplining without discussion can worsen the situation or create distrust; suggesting retirement prematurely ends the employee’s role rather than addressing the underlying issues.