Occupational injury analysis among Federal Fire Service personnel of the Russian EMERCOM in the newly integrated territories

摘要

Introduction. Occupational injuries are estimated based on the total number of injuries suffered by the employees at work within a specified period (e.g., one year), usually as a result of violated labor conditions. Due to routine fire extinguishing and emergency response operations, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) personnel of the Russian EMERCOM deployed in the newly integrated territories are significantly affected by the damaging factors associated with armed conflicts (e. g., artillery and missile shelling, explosive objects dropped from unmanned aerial vehicles, mine explosions, ammunition detonation during rescue operations, etc.). These factors can lead to overstrained body reserves in firefighters, significantly increasing the risk of occupational injury and death The aim of this study is to analyze the occupational injury and fatality rates among FFS personnel of the Russian EMERCOM operating in the newly integrated territories from 2023 through 2024. Methods. Occupational injury rates were calculated per 10,000 firefighters (10 –4 ), whereas death rates were calculated per 100,000 firefighters (10 –5 ). Both types of calculations were performed with a focus on the occupational injury (death) causes (technical, organizational, physical and psychological, hazardous fire factors, military) and circumstances (overall 21). Occupational injury and death rates in peacetime (2018–2022) were compared against the years of the special military operation (2023–2024), including in the newly incorporated territories of Russia. Similarities or differences in absolute values were assessed using Pearson’s χ 2 -test and by Student’s t-test. Results and analysis. The overall occupational injury rate among the FFS personnel of the Russian EMERCOM in 2023–2024 was 14.81 × 10 –4 injuries/(firefighter × year). In unchallenged Russian regions, the rate was significantly lower (p = 0.010) standing at 9.23 × 10 –4 , compared to the newly integrated territories – 163.54 × 10–4. Notably, military damaging factors accounted for 85.7 % of all injuries. The overall occupational fatality rate among the FFS personnel of the Russian EMERCOM in 2023–2024 was 4.72 × 10 –5 fatalities/(firefighter × year). In the unchallenged regions, this rate was significantly lower (p < 0.001) standing at 2.58 × 10 –5 , compared to the newly integrated territories – 61.83 × 10 –5 . Military damaging factors constituted 77.8 % of all fatal injuries. Conclusion. Death and injury prevention among the firefighters involved in the special military operation can be achieved through comprehensive organizational measures that account for the adverse factors affecting firefighting operations. This includes high-performing specialized firefighter equipment, such as armor protection, as well as intensive emergency mitigation, development and implementation of robotic fire extinguishers.