Firefighters certainly have a dangerous and hazardous job. Like other workers, they may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they get injured while performing their duties.
When people think of firefighter injuries, the first thing that often comes to mind is serious burns. While burns do occur, they are not as common as many assume. For example, a 2022 study on firefighter injuries found that only 2% of those injuries involved burns. So, how do firefighters typically get injured on the job?
Injuries by percentage
To better understand how these injuries occur, consider the following breakdown:
- 36%: Sprains, strains or general muscle pain
- 18%: Other injuries that do not fit into a specific category
- 13%: Cuts, lacerations and other types of physical wounds
- 9%: A combination of chemical and thermal burns
- 7%: Smoke or gas inhalation
- 7%: Thermal stress
- 3%: Respiratory distress or related breathing issues
- 2%: Bone fractures or dislocations
- 2%: Heart attacks or strokes on the job
As these numbers show, while burns are a potential hazard, firefighters are far more likely to suffer from lacerations, muscle strains or tears, broken bones or smoke inhalation. In many cases, the risk of smoke inhalation—especially if a firefighter’s PPE is defective or they aren’t given the correct respirator—is much higher than the risk of being burned by the fire itself.
Seeking workers’ comp benefits
When firefighters get injured on the job, it’s important for them to explore all options for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover short-term costs like lost wages and immediate medical bills, as well as long-term expenses related to disfigurement or disability.
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