Background/Objective(s): Fire investigators and inspectors, a subgroup of the fire service, identify the causes of fires and promote fire prevention. Their profession demands great physical agility and mobility to navigate across diverse work environments. Despite their occupational physical demands, little is known about their musculoskeletal health. We characterize in a sample of fire investigators and inspectors their musculoskeletal health including: 1) joint range of motion (ROM), 2) grip strength, 3) balance; and 4) flexibility.

Methods: We analyzed health data, socio-demographic and work-related characteristics from the baseline enrollment survey of an ongoing occupational cohort study of fire investigators and fire inspectors. The musculoskeletal health assessment included objective measurement of bilateral joint ROM, Romberg balance test, hand grip strength, low back, upper body and shoulder flexibility.

Results: Among 51 participants (group mean age: 48.7; 53% male; average BMI: 30.3, average job tenure 12.7 years), 31.8% reported dual roles as both a fire investigator and inspector. All participants passed the Romberg balance test. Sex-stratified grip strength (in kilograms) was higher among study participants versus the general U.S. population (males, right hand: 45.1 vs. 41.3; males left hand: 46.8 vs. 41.3; females, right hand: 33.1 vs. 25.8; and females left hand: 30.3 vs. 25.8). A significantly greater number of male participants had “very good to good” sit and reach flexibility test compared to female participants (81.8% vs. 57.2%; p=.028). A greater number of females had excellent to good upper body/shoulder flexibility compared to males (13.3% versus 3.0%; p=.250). Across all joints, participant ROM for right and left shoulder flexion and extension was greater for flexion (right 184°; left 180° vs 150°) compared to the general population and lesser for shoulder extension (right 32°; left 38° vs 60°)

Conclusion: Fire investigators and inspectors had variable strengths and weaknesses across various musculoskeletal health assessments.