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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Compensation costs; musculoskeletal disorder; occupation; prevention.