Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess awareness among State Fire Service (PSP) firefighters of the impact of stress on accidents at work in rescue operations. The thesis that the age and experience of firefighters affect the assessment of the situation that puts at risk the health of the rescuer in rescue operations was also verified.
Methodology: The article uses the analysis and synthesis of source materials related to the firefighter’s work environment, accidents in the State Fire Service and statistical inference from the results of the survey. The analysis of the literature indicates a significant impact of stress on firefighter behaviour. The job of a PSP firefighter is considered one of the most dangerous and stressful professions. One of the most important causes of accidents among firefighters in rescue operations is stress. The results of the survey demonstrate that among the factors putting firefighters’ health at risk which are related to the nature of the work depending on the specificity of the service and the way in which the work is performed, the respondents point to exposure to stress. Further, they indicate physical exertion, work at height, the need for full psychomotor mobilisation and variable daily rhythm of work and other factors. The significance of the relationship between the experience of the respondents and their responses was examined by performing chi-square tests. The results of the calculations do not allow the rejection of the null hypothesis about the lack of connection between the respondents’ experience and their assessment of the indicated threats.
Conclusions: Stress is an extremely dangerous factor threatening the health of firefighters during rescue operations, which significantly affects the occupational risk of firefighters. The survey results allow to state that from the very beginning of the service, firefighters correctly perceive threats related to the nature of their work and indicate stress as the main factor leading to accidents at work in rescue operations.
Keywords: accidents at work, stress, rescue operations
Type of article: original scientific article