Issue:
Aboriginal fire crews and emergency service personnel are increasingly being called upon in their communities to respond to everything from forest and structural fires to disaster management. The main workplace injuries for these workers are strains related to being “struck by an object” and sustaining a “fall on the same level”. This research will examine the health and safety culture of Aboriginal fire crews and emergency service personnel in B.C. based on multiple dimensions – physiological, psychological and organizational characteristics which impact and influence workers’ injury rates, absenteeism and presenteeism.
Objectives:
The research objective is to broaden the understanding of the relationships between injuries, presenteeism, absenteeism, and health and safety culture in Aboriginal firefighting and emergency management.
Anticipated Results:
It is anticipated that the key outcomes of the study will inform policy, program, and planning for an effective health, safety and disability management system. In addition, it is expected that the research will lead to the creation of more sustainable fire protection and emergency management capabilities in Aboriginal communities.
Investigators:
Brent Langlois (First Nations’ Emergency Services Society [FNESS])
