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Injuries to volunteer fire fighters in West Virginia
S M Magnetti1, W D Wyant, J Greenwood
1Department of Community Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown 26506, USA.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|February 25, 1999
Summary
West Virginia volunteer firefighters under 30 experienced the most injuries, particularly lacerations, contusions, and falls. Injury rates were higher in areas with greater population density.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Emergency Medical Services
- Public Health
Background:
- Workplace injuries among volunteer firefighters (VFFs) require detailed analysis.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for developing targeted safety interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the distribution and characteristics of workplace injuries among West Virginia VFFs.
- To identify risk factors and injury types for improved safety policies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1992 workers' compensation data for West Virginia VFFs.
- Examination of injury types, demographics, and geographical factors.
Main Results:
- Most injuries (62%) occurred in VFFs under 30.
- Lacerations and contusions (28.9%) were most common, followed by respiratory issues (13.7%).
- Fall-related injury rates (39.3%) were nearly double national rates; higher population density correlated with increased injury rates.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight specific injury risks for young VFFs and those in denser areas.
- Results support the need for enhanced occupational safety policies and educational programs for VFFs.
- Study provides a basis for future research and programmatic recommendations to prevent VFF injuries.