Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Musculoskeletal Injuries in Firefighters of the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries is reported to be noticeably high amongst firefighters, which augments the dangers of the job and the difficulties that firefighters must face daily. Therefore, this study aimed to firstly determine the prevalence and characteristics of work-related musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) and musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and, secondly, to determine the relationship between MSD and MSIs in firefighters.

Using random systematic sampling, 309 firefighters from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service were recruited to participate. A researcher-generated questionnaire was used to retrieve data on musculoskeletal injuries and musculoskeletal discomfort. Data was analysed using the T-tests, Cochran-Armitage trend test, Jonckheere-Terpstra test, and Binary logistic regression. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance.

Male (p = 0.036) and older firefighters (p<0.001) with more years of experience (p = 0.002) were most likely to report a musculoskeletal injury. Falls, jumps, slips, and trips were the most common injuries (39.7%), which most often occurred on the fireground (41.1%). Most firefighters (73.3%) reported experiencing discomfort 1-2 times a week of moderate (60.1%) severity that interfered slightly with their ability to work (58.2%). Multivariable analysis showed that the age groups of 40-49 years and 50-65 years and the rank of station commander increased the risk for MSIs by a factor of 2.39, 2.67, and 3.83, respectively. In addition, MSD was associated with an increase in the likelihood of firefighters reporting MSIs (p <0.001).

Older male firefighters with more years in service were most likely to experience MSIs. Regular physical activity and work-related training should be implemented to increase the fitness for duty and to reduce the prevalence of injuries in firefighters.