Common Industry Hazards Emergency Services Organization

Loss Analysis:
Since January 1, 2012, the most common causes of injury among Emergency Services Organization Safety Group members have been strains, slips, trips, and falls, miscellaneous causes, industrial hygiene incidents, and being struck by objects.
 
During this time period, the causes of injury with the highest average claim costs were motor vehicle collisions, strains, slips, trips, and falls, being caught in, under, or between objects, and being struck by objects.
 

Common Industry Hazards:
A list of activities or situations that contributed to the safety group’s injuries is provided below in order to raise awareness of common hazards within the industry.  After reviewing this list, download the Common Control Strategies document from the Texasmutual.com Safety Resource Center to learn how to protect your employees from these hazards.
 
Strains:

• Moving and carrying victims, hoses, ladders and heavy equipment.
• Stooping, bending, climbing, and working in awkward positions
• Poor posture when sitting or standing for extended periods of time
• Ascending and descending ladders

 
Slips, Trips, And Falls:

• Riding on tailboards
• Slippery, icy, oily, wet areas and uneven surfaces
• Egress on stairways and fire truck equipment
• Trip over hoses. Poor housekeeping in the fire station
• Falls from improper use of ladders or step stools
• Falls from building structures

 
Miscellaneous Causes:

• Work in smoke-filled environments
• Not wearing necessary eye protection
  
  

Motor Vehicle Collisions:

• Excessive speed
• Fatigue
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Other vehicles failing to pull over

 
Being Struck by Objects:

• Falling objects
• Improper lifting techniques
• Contact with moving parts on equipment

---