An Assessment of Turkish Forest Fire Workers' Thoughts on Occupational Health and Safety

Abstract

Forest fire workers (FFWs) operate in very difficult working conditions; they transport heavy equipment on rough and steep terrain and are exposed to high levels of noise, heat, stress, and smoke. Working in different fire sensitivity degree regions (FSDRs), FFWs experience occupational health and safety (OHS) problems as they are involved in dangerous and risky tasks. In Türkiye, which is a high risk country in terms of forest fires, there is no comprehensive and well-documented data regarding what FFWs think about OHS, taking into account all FSDRs. In this study, the views of FFWs in Türkiye regarding OHS training, first aid training, the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by FFWs, the quality of the equipment and ergonomic suitability levels were investigated. The Body Mass Index (BMI) parameters of FFWs were also calculated. In addition, occupational accidents experienced by FFWs and the relationship between these occupational accidents and taking on additional duties were examined with the Spearman ranking correlation coefficient. 962 FFWs participated in the survey, which consisted of four sections and 20 questions. Whether the data obtained differs between the four FSDRs was examined with the Chi-Square test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and the Mann-Whitney U test. There was a statistical difference between FFWs operating in the FSDRs in terms of OHS and first aid training. The quality of the majority of PPE and equipment used statistically differed between FFWs operating in the FSDRs. There was a statistical difference between FFWs operating in the FSDRs in terms of work accidents. Occupational accidents of FFWs and the relationship between these and taking on additional duties were examined and a positive correlation was found between the occupational accidents of FFWs and the additional duties assigned to them. The average height of the FFWs was 175.03 cm. and the average weight was 81.01 kg. 1.46% of the FFWs were underweight, 37.42% were of normal weight, 44.39% were overweight, 16.73% were obese. Although the health checks of the workers were carried out regularly, the BMI values were not at normal rates. Even though FFWs in Türkiye participate in OHS training at a high level, they cannot adequately reflect this training in their experiences. Regarding first aid, the level of participation or education was not sufficient. The General Directorate of Forestry (GDF) should increase the effectiveness of OHS training received by FFWs and their inspections on this issue.