Data published by the National Fire Protection Association in 2017 showed how a staggering 58,835 firefighters were injured on the job that year. More than half of these injuries occurred while these individuals were fighting fires. That same report highlights many other surprising occupational hazards that these community service workers face.
At least 44,530 firefighters reported having been exposed to hazardous conditions including fumes, asbestos, radioactive materials and chemicals in 2017. Another 7,345 of these community workers were exposed to infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), meningitis and hepatitis that same year. Many firefighters were injured in the 15,430 automobile accidents in 2017 as well.
Approximately 56% of the injuries that firefighters suffered while performing non-fireground activities were muscular pain, sprains and strains. At least 48% of those firefighters who were hurt on burn sites suffered this same type of injury.
One of the most prevalent injuries that firefighters suffered while fighting fires in 2017 were overexertion injuries. This factor accounted for 29% of these community service workers getting hurt.
Falls, slips, trips and jumps accounted for 20% of injuring incidents among firefighters. Exposure to fire products and contact with objects were each individually responsible for 11% of all firefighter injuries. Being struck by something accounted for 6% of firefighters getting hurt. Exposure to radiation or chemicals was responsible for 4% of them getting injured.
There are a lot of dangers associated with being a community service work such as a firefighter. If you’ve been hurt on the job and you’re not sure what your rights to compensation are here in California, then an attorney in Tracy or Fremont can let you know what you’re entitled to.
