The cost and distribution of firefighter injuries in a large Canadian Fire Department.

BACKGROUND

There is limited data available regarding the cost of firefighter injuries. This information is necessary to develop targeted injury prevention strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To categorize the cost of injuries filed in 2012 by firefighters from a from a large department by job duty, injury type, body part affected, and the general motion pattern employed at the time of injury.

METHODS

Data were taken from reports filed by CFD personnel and claims filed with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

RESULTS

Of the 244 injuries reported, 65% were categorized as sprains and strains, the most frequent of which affected the back (32%). The total cost of all claims was $555,955; 77% were sprain/strain-related. Knee and back injuries were most costly ($157,383 and $100,459). Categorized by job duty, most sprains/strains (31%) were sustained while attending to fire station responsibilities, although physical training was associated with the highest costs (34%). Fireground operations were attributed to 18% of sprains/strains and 16% of costs. Lifting injuries were more frequent (23%) and costly (20%) than all injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common and costly injuries occurred while attending to fire station-related responsibilities and during physical training.