ORIGINAL PAPER
Risk factors of occupational injuries and prevention strategy among Chinese frontline firefighters
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Jimei University, XiaMen, China (Physical Education College)
Online publication date: 2026-02-10
Corresponding author
Qiang Song
Jimei University, Physical Education College, No. 183, Yinjiang Road, Jimei District XiaMen, China
HIGHLIGHTS
- Firefighters’ occupational injuries are influenced by multiple factors.
- The injury rate among firefighters is very high.
- Occupational training is the most significant factor among frontline firefighters.
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ABSTRACT
Background: Occupational injuries among firefighters significantly impact their job performance. To reduce these injuries and enhance their professional capabilities, this study investigates and comprehensively evaluates the factors contributing to occupational injuries among frontline firefighters in China. It analyzes the underlying mechanisms of these injuries and proposes preventive strategies. Material and Methods: This study employed questionnaire surveys and factor analysis methods to conduct a comprehensive investigation and comprehensive assessment of occupational injuries and their influencing factors among 200 firefighters in China. The research subjects were randomly selected from the grassroots firefighters in cities of FuJian Province. Among them, 179 firefighters successfully completed the questionnaire survey. Through exploratory factor analysis, the key factors influencing firefighters’ injuries were identified. Results: The injury rate among the participating firefighters in 2023 was 40.78%. The highest injury rate was observed during daily training (58.52%). Notably, the injury rate tends to decrease with increasing age. The most common types of injuries were sprains and strains (57.10%), with the knee joint exhibiting the highest incidence of injury among all body parts (47.00%). The primary factors influencing occupational injuries among firefighters include training factors, support factors, educational factors, and mental health factors, which collectively account for a variance contribution rate of 79.56%. Conclusions: Training, support, educational, and mental health factors are the 4 primary influences on firefighters’ occupational injuries. The administrative department should strengthen the study and practice of physical fitness theory for firefighters, prioritize the prevention of occupational training injuries, enhance the scientific rigor of training programs, and promote the occupational health of firefighters. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(1)