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The Relative Burden of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in Firefighters: An Analysis of Washington Workers’ Compensation Claims, 2006–2020

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Listed:
  • Naomi Anderson

    (SHARP Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA 98504-4000, USA)

  • Jennifer Marcum

    (SHARP Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA 98504-4000, USA)

  • David Bonauto

    (SHARP Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA 98504-4000, USA)

  • Miriam Siegel

    (Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA)

  • Claire LaSee

    (SHARP Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA 98504-4000, USA)

Abstract

Firefighters face many hazards on the job and have a high rate of work-related injuries and illnesses (WRII). We analyzed Washington workers’ compensation claims from 2006–2020 to characterize WRII in firefighters compared to law enforcement officers and “all other” workers. There were 9187 compensable claims for firefighters, 7801 for law enforcement officers, and 586,939 for “all other” workers. Nearly 40% of claims for firefighters were work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The claim rate per 10,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) firefighters was 716.4, which is significantly higher than that of law enforcement officers (510.0) and “all other” workers (163.2). The rate per 10,000 FTE of WMSD claims was also higher in firefighters (277.0) than in law enforcement officers (76.2) and “all other” workers (57.6). Additional WRII among firefighters commonly included being struck or caught in objects, slipping or tripping, and exposure to caustic or noxious substances; and amongst law enforcement, transportation accidents and violence. Medical costs and time-loss days per claim were lower for firefighters and law enforcement than for “all other” workers. Common tasks associated with WMSDs in firefighters included lifting and transporting patients, using specific tools and equipment, and physical training. WMSDs stand out as an area for prevention and intervention activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Naomi Anderson & Jennifer Marcum & David Bonauto & Miriam Siegel & Claire LaSee, 2023. "The Relative Burden of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in Firefighters: An Analysis of Washington Workers’ Compensation Claims, 2006–2020," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(22), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:22:p:7077-:d:1282511
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Scherzer, T. & Rugulies, R. & Krause, N., 2005. "Work-related pain and injury and barriers to workers' compensation among Las Vegas hotel room cleaners," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(3), pages 483-488.
    2. Aurora B. Le & Lily A. McNulty & Mari-Amanda Dyal & David M. DeJoy & Todd D. Smith, 2020. "Firefighter Overexertion: A Continuing Problem Found in an Analysis of Non-Fatal Injury Among Career Firefighters," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-11, October.
    3. Azaroff, L.S. & Levenstein, C. & Wegman, D.H., 2002. "Occupational injury and illness surveillance: Conceptual filters explain underreporting," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(9), pages 1421-1429.
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