Without a doubt, firefighters have one the hardest jobs around. A job where danger and injury are commonplace. So it’s really no wonder that workplace injuries among firefighters are so high.
While firefighters are battling against fires, that’s not all they have to fight. An increasing wave of research is producing evidence that firefighters are more likely to be at risk for various types of health impairments. These injuries include disease of the heart, lungs, or respiratory tract, colon cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer, rectal cancer, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and stomach cancer. In fact, cancer is the leading cause of death in for firefighters.
The High Rate of Workplace Injuries Among Firefighters
Why are workplace injuries and illnesses so frequent among firefighters? Fires often involve synthetic materials, plastics, and chemicals. When these materials ignite, they give off toxic compounds that are harmful and even deadly to the human body. Long term exposure to these toxic compounds can lead to illness and injury, resulting in partial or total disability.
While firefighters are supplied and required to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SBCA) and to clean off their personal protective equipment (PPE) after work. Unfortunately, many take their SBCA off too early or don’t clean their PPE well enough to rid it of the toxic chemicals it’s been exposed to.
It’s only within recent years that firefighters have become aware of the danger of exposure to toxic soot in the air and on their clothing. Unfortunately for many, this information has been uncovered a bit too late.
Workers compensation for workplace injuries among firefighters
As employees, firefighters are entitled to compensation, too. If they’re injured on the job or develop illness from work-related conditions, they’re entitled to workers’ comp benefits. That being said, many firefighters are faced with difficulties when it comes to obtaining workers comp to cover their lost wages and medical expenses.
If you’ve been injured or developed cancer as a result of fighting fires, The Clardy Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced workers’ comp attorneys can help you pursue a successful claim to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us to find out more about how we can help.
