J Korean Med Assoc.  2008 Dec;51(12):1078-1086. 10.5124/jkma.2008.51.12.1078.

Occupational Health and Fitness for Work of Firefighters

• Kim I
• Sung J

• KMID: 2185967
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2008.51.12.1078

Abstract

Due to the various toxic chemicals, accidents and job stress, the firefighter has been known as a dangerous job. However, in Korea, there is no proper system to improve their health or job fitness. The authors tried to look into the current state of occupational health problems of firefighters and to suggest some important points to improve their health and fitness for work. The injury incidence of firefighters was higher than that of other jobs and their life expectancy was shorter than any other public servants. Even though the health examination for firefighters was applied since 2004, there is no appropriate approach to examine the health and to assess the fitness for firefighting work. A standardized periodic special health examination based on their work conditions or health risks, for instance various chemicals, physical factors and psychosocial factors, is needed. We suggest that the other health examination system that firefighters can take a specialized health examination in case of uncommon situation to be a risk on health. In addition, the fitness test for injured or ill workers is necessary. As a conclusion, the comprehensive occupational health management system is necessary to make firefighters healthy and for the citizens' safety.

Keyword

Firefighter; Occupational health management; Fitness for work

MeSH Terms

Firefighters
Humans
Incidence
Korea
Life Expectancy
Occupational Health

Figure

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  Figure 1 Frequency of work related injury and death(2002~2007)(5).

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  Figure 2 The average life span of the Korean public servants(8).

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  Figure 3 A suggestion to improve the occupational health management system for firefighters.

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