Injury Risk and Noise Exposure in Firefighter Training Operations

Neitzel, Richard L.; Long, Rachel N.; Sun, Kan; Sayler, Stephanie; von Thaden, Terry L.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/101923 Copy

Description

Title

Injury Risk and Noise Exposure in Firefighter Training Operations

Author(s)

• Neitzel, Richard L.
• Long, Rachel N.
• Sun, Kan
• Sayler, Stephanie
• von Thaden, Terry L.

Issue Date

2015-12-27

Keyword(s)

• Firefighters
• Life safety
• Firefighting research
• Injury prevention
• Noise
• Occupational injuries

Abstract

Introduction: Firefighters have high rate of injuries and illnesses, as well as exposures to high levels of noise. This study explored the relationship between noise exposure and injury among firefighters. Methods: We recruited firefighters undergoing vehicle extrication and structural collapse emergency response training at a highly realistic training facility. Demographics, health status, body mass index (BMI), and history of serious injuries (i.e. injuries requiring first aid treatment, treatment in a medical clinic or office, or treatment at a hospital) were assessed at baseline, and daily activities, injury events, and near misses were assessed daily via surveys. Participants’ noise exposures were monitored for one 24-h period using noise dosimeters. We used a mixed-effects logistic regression model to estimate the odds of injury events and near misses associated with noise exposure as an independent variable. Results: Of 56 subjects, 20 (36%) reported that they had ever suffered a serious injury during firefighting activities, and 9 (16%) reported a serious injury within the past year. We estimated rates of 6.6 lifetime serious injuries per 100 FTE 16.1 serious injuries per 100 FTE within the past year. Our models indicated a significant increase in injury events and near misses among those with higher BMI, and as well as a dose–response relationship between near misses/injuries and increasing noise levels. Noise levels >90 dBA in the 30 min prior to time of injury or near miss were associated with substantially increased odds ratios for injury or near miss. Our models further indicated that perceived job demands were significantly associated with increased risk of injury or near miss. Conclusion: Our results suggest that noise exposures may need to be incorporated into injury prevention programs for firefighters to reduce injuries among this high-risk occupational group.

Publisher

The Annals of Occupational Hygiene

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/101923

DOI

10.1093/annhyg/mev088

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

This research was supported by a pilot project research training grant from the Center for Occupational Health and Safety Engineering (COHSE) at the University of Michigan, an Education and Research Center supported by training grant No. 2T42OH008455 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Copyright and License Information

Copyright The Author 2015.

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