The use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) helps to reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities by providing written guidance to team members and responders with established safe procedures for actions to be taken during a wide variety of incident responses. They provide direction for team members and responders on what they need to do to safely perform job tasks that are routine and predictable. SOPs ensure consistent work performance, contribute to a safe work environment, and create a template for how to resolve issues and overcome obstacles. NIOSH, in its firefighter fatality investigation and prevention program, frequently cites a lack of, or inadequacy of, standard operating procedures as a contributing factor in firefighter fatalities.