A research on health problems of working in forest fire workers

Authors : Nevin Bacı, Erhan Çalışkan

Pages : 94-101

Doi:10.17474/artvinofd.1082935

View : 218 | Download : 1544

Publication Date : 2022-05-16

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Turkey is geographically located in a region susceptible to wildfires. To ensure the long-way sustainability of our forests, protective measures should be taken initially, and fires that start despite precautions should be extinguished as soon and effectively as possible. The mental-physical health of fire workers was investigated in this study by examining the recent state of occupational safety and health for forest fire workers employed by the İzmir Regional Directorate of Forestry and assessing the psychological condition of the workers. The research sampled 246 fire workers assigned to the İzmir Regional Directorate of Forestry. Data collection was accomplished through the questionnaire method. Frequency weights and chi-square methods were used to analyze the acquired data. According to the study, 117 of the questionnaire respondents had at least one accident throughout their careers as fire workers. And 101 participants have been involved in an accident in the previous year. 70% of those with a high score on the General Health Questionnaire and 35.8% of those with a low score had an occupational accident. Psychologically, 24% of field workers felt shyness, 13.8% felt, and 2.8% felt dread. 59.4% stated that they felt nothing. As a result, it was detected that fire workers should get the required occupational safety and health training, the risks listed with accidents should be minimized, and improvements aiming for their psychosocial status should be addressed.
Keywords : Orman yangın işçileri, İşçi sağlığı, Psikososyal durum, İSG

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