Blog Viewer

Weightlifting Injuries

  
Our department has seen a large increase in injuries sustained to members while lifting weights on duty. This has resulted in a lot of time off for surgeries and rehab for some of our members. We require our members to work out at least one hour per shift. These injuries are considered worker's comp claims, and our carrier is very concerned as the amount they have paid has skyrocketed. Overtime costs have also risen as we bring in members to maintain minimum staffing levels.

Has anyone dealt with similar circumstances, and if so, how did you approach the situation?

3 comments
192 views

Permalink

Comments

Bryan Ransdell
11-28-2017 02:08:52 PM

Short cited comments, removing weights isn’t the answer... Our District incorporates a wellness program with oversite by a certified Coach. Remember, firefighting is an anaerobic job, which means resistance training, cardio and good nutritional habits should all be promulgated throughout an organization. Like in all areas of firefighting, if good habits are taught and practiced under QUALIFIED supervision and cultural adherence is given, then you will see a reduction of injuries and not an increase. Additionally, you will have fit firefighters that will deliver a more efficient service. With an effective program in place you should see a decrease of injuries, not an increase.

David Hacker
04-04-2015 03:00:14 PM

Why not encourage cardio training and take everything out that's not cardio related this takes the liability away from fire department on duty injuries and allows the guys to get a better workout while off duty and without interruptions

William Burns
10-03-2014 03:03:23 PM

George, we have also witnessed an increase in weight training related injuries-very expensive, not to mention we lose good people from service delivery. Empirically we have found that three trends paralleled the increasing injuries: cross-fit without proper training, growing misconceptions that "real firefighters" are massive, and the increased use of hormones.
We are trying to address this trend with education, not sure if that will result in an improvement or not. I do believe that this will continue to be a major issue in coming years.