Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
Clinical Anthropometrics and Body Composition from 3-Dimensional Optical Imaging
Published on: June 7, 2024
Body mass index as a predictor of firefighter injury and workers' compensation claims
Kerry S Kuehl1, Yasemin Kisbu-Sakarya, Diane L Elliot
1Division of Health Promotion and Sports Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. kuehlk@ohsu.edu
Objective:
To determine the relationship between lifestyle variables including body mass index and filing a workers' compensation claim due to firefighter injury.
Methods:
A cross-sectional evaluation of firefighter injury related to workers" compensation claims occurring 5 years after the original Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Alternative Models' Effects study intervention.
Results:
A logistic regression analysis for variables predicting filing a workers' compensation claim due to an injury was performed with a total of 433 participants. The odds of filing a compensation claim were almost 3 times higher for firefighters with a body mass index of more than 30 kg/m than firefighters with a normal body mass index (odds ratio, 2.89; P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
This study addresses a high-priority area of reducing firefighter injuries and workers' compensation claims. Maintaining a healthy body weight is important to reduce injury and workers' compensation claims among firefighters.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Obesity
01:22Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...