The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49399

Myongsin Yi¹, Barry Scott², and David Tollerud, MD, MPH¹. (1) School of Public Health, Center for Environmental and Occupational Health, MCP Hahnemann University, 1505 Race St. 11th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 563-7941, my29@drexel.edu, (2) Department of Finance, RISK MANAGEMENT DIVISION, CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, 1515 Arch St. 14th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102

In fire fighting and rescue operations, firefighters experience exposure to toxic chemicals, physical stressors, and bloodborne pathogens that could lead to short-term and long-term physical impairments. This study examines the health implications that may originate from the dual responsibilities among firefighters to extinguish fire and participate in medical response. Specifically, this report characterizes the relationship between exposure to bloodborne pathogens and accidents at work among a large population of urban firefighters. The study population includes approximately 4,000 current and former firefighters of whom approximately 2,400 are active employees. Among the currently employed members, about 2,150 are assigned to fire suppression while about 250 individuals are assigned to emergency medical services. The study uses claims data from the workers’ compensation program and 628 bloodborne pathogen incident reports collected during the years 1995 to 1999 (162, 211, 109, 68, and 78 reports respectively). The accident rate and causes of accidents among firefighters, and the cost impact on the workers’ compensation program are being analyzed. The bloodborne pathogens exposure reports are being analyzed by type of exposure, time of occurrence, and use of precautionary measures. Because the data used in this study are routinely collected administrative information, they give a unique opportunity for translating the results of this analysis into an ongoing monitoring program that will assist in developing and implementing appropriate policies to safeguard the health and safety of first responders and other municipal workers.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. To characterize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens among urban firefighters, based on exposure report forms
• 2. To determine the accident rate and causes of accidents and specify major traumas resulting from accidents at work, using workers’ compensation claims data
• 3. To differentiate the cost impact of acute trauma, chronic disease, and chronic musculoskeletal disability on the workers’ compensation program

Keywords: Injury, Occupational Exposure

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.