As a firefighter, you face a number of risks on the job. From traffic accidents to falling down and sustaining serious burns, you could suffer injuries on the job for a host of reasons. Moreover, it is important to understand the risks that you face with respect to smoke exposure.
In some scenarios, such as fighting wildfires, smoke exposure is especially concerning. Moreover, the consequences of smoke exposure could impact your health and your life in many ways.
The consequences of smoke exposure
According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, exposure to smoke can harm your health in various ways. You could struggle with respect to breathing, coughing and wheezing. If you have asthma or a heart or lung condition, smoke exposure could affect your lung function and worsen your conditions.
Addressing smoke exposure
For starters, it is important for employers as well as workers to understand strategies to prevent harmful exposure to smoke. Firefighters should have proper training and wear protective equipment, such as respirators that filter out fine particles. Changing a worker’s schedule can also help prevent exposure to harmful smoke.
If you are already struggling with the consequences of smoke exposure, you need to focus on your recovery. Look into all of the options on the table that could help with your recovery, such as workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp benefits offer a number of resources for firefighters injured on the job, from assistance with lost wages and medical costs to training for work in a different field, if necessary. Do not hesitate to explore your options.