Occupational Injuries, Duty Status, and Factors Associated with Injuries among Firefighters

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the type of occupational injuries, duty status, and factors associated with injuries among firefighters. A total of 437 firefighters from three U.S. states participated in an Internet-based survey. Approximately 66% of firefighters experienced occupational injuries and 56% reported multiple injuries. The most commonly reported injuries were muscle strains and sprains (74%), extremity injuries (60%), back injuries (54%), and burns (28%). A significant number of firefighters reported no duty (58%) or modified duty (46%). Firefighters with more than 17 years in fire services were more likely to report injuries (odds ratio [OR] = 2.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.92–4.58) and multiple injuries (OR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.49–4.10). Hispanics (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.15–0.76) and those with stronger organizational commitments (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.35–0.84) were less likely to report injuries. Several factors were associated with injuries. These factors should be incorporated into interventions to reduce occupational injuries.