Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Firefighter Worker in Brazil

Abstract

Fireman's labor activity requires situations of extreme physical demand and few studies are directed at this class of workers. The aim of this study was to identify the musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) symptoms in firefighter workers and to and verify the correlation of MSD prevalence with age and working time. Socio demographic were collected and the Nordic Questionnaire was used to verify the MSD prevalence. In Group A, 91% of workers reported MSD symptoms for the last 6 months or in the last 7 days, with the low back region being the most affected? In Group B, 80% of workers reported MSD symptoms in the last 6 months or the last 7 days. No significant difference was observed between the groups considering MSD prevalence with working time exposure and age of worker. In conclusion, most of the fireman reported some type of MSD symptoms (89%); low back pain was the most body region affected. Work time factor and age did not influence the MSD prevalence. The results of the present study point to the need for interventions for this group of workers with the aim of reducing the MSD prevalence, regardless of working time exposure and age of worker.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomic Risk Factors among Firefighters

“…Thus Firefighting is one of the most dangerous and demanding professions there are 5 . The physical demands of rescue missions and sudden movements might strain a firefighter's musculoskeletal system 6 . Workplace accidents cause major financial and health costs, as well as missed productivity 7 .…”