[Equipment, Risk Awareness and Safety-Relevant Behaviour of Via Ferrata Climbers]

Area of Science:

• Mountaineering safety
• Adventure sports research
• Risk assessment in outdoor activities

Background:

• Via ferrata climbing is increasingly popular, leading to more accidents.
• Safety depends on equipment, knowledge of risks, and safe behaviors.
• This study investigates equipment use, risk knowledge, and behavior among via ferrata climbers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To collect data on equipment, risk knowledge, and safety behaviors of via ferrata climbers.
• To evaluate general risk-taking tendencies in this population.
• To identify areas for improving safety on via ferrata routes.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 332 via ferrata climbers in Tyrol, Austria.
• Data collected on demographics, equipment (including first aid), and risk knowledge via a questionnaire.
• Safety-related and general risk-taking behaviors were also assessed.

Main Results:

• 92% wore helmets, with lower usage among females (86%) vs. males (96%).
• 10% used inadequate or no belaying equipment.
• Only 46% answered risk-related questions correctly; 76% performed partner checks.
• Significant differences in general risk-taking behavior were observed between genders.

Conclusions:

• Helmet use, particularly by females, needs improvement.
• Enhanced climber education on via ferrata risks and safety behaviors is crucial.
• Preventive measures like information panels and campaigns can reduce accidents.