Slip outcomes in firefighters: A comparison of rubber and leather boots

Abstract

Background

Slip induced falls have been identified as a major causative factor for injuries in workplace. Firefighter's boots play a critical role in personal safety and affects postural stability.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to examine slip severity in firefighters while wearing rubber and leather boots.

Methods

Thirty professional firefighters were tested on two separate days with a rubber boot and a randomly chosen leather boot. Firefighters performed a three minute simulated stair climb wearing a full set personal protective equipment (PPE). Following this, they performed normal walking trials and a slip trial without the knowledge of the slippery floor. After a brief rest, they repeated the stair climb and walking trials followed by another slip trial with the knowledge of the slippery floor.

Results

Significant differences were found in slip parameters between boot and slip types. Significantly greater slip parameters were seen in rubber boots and during unexpected slips.

Conclusions

These results suggest that rubber boots elicit greater slip severity indicating a 2.67 to 4.8 times and 2.49 to 3.6 times greater chance of a hazardous slip during unexpected and expected slips respectively, compared to leather boots. These findings provide practical information on firefighting work practices and PPE usage decisions.

Keywords

Firefighter slips non-hazardous and hazardous slips rubber and leather boots

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