Ergonomic Safety in the Use of Structural Protective Equipment for Operational Personnel of the Municipal Fire Department of the Pastaza Canton

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to conduct a bibliographic review based on various authors who have studied this topic, while also incorporating relevant observations to define the objective of this study. This was motivated by the high incidence of physical injuries among operational firefighters due to the improper use of structural fire protection equipment, which primarily stems from a lack of knowledge about basic safety measures, such as the correct use of protective gear and its maintenance. The methodology used is Direct Deductive, where it is essential to consider multiple premises to extract a single conclusion that contributes to mitigating the problem through preventive and corrective measures. The study identified a recurring pattern of health issues caused by poor ergonomics, leading to a documentary diagnosis to assess the extent of this serious problem affecting operational personnel. This issue not only has physical consequences but also psychological and social impacts, causing stress and negatively affecting firefighters’ daily job performance, overall well-being, and long-term career development. This reason, training programs focused on the proper use, maintenance, and care of structural fire protection equipment should be implemented, ensuring that firefighters are well-prepared to handle emergencies safely and efficiently under any circumstances.In conclusion, improving the ergonomics of protective equipment design is not only crucial for the health and safety of firefighters but also enhances their efficiency in emergency situations, ensuring that they can respond more effectively, confidently, and safely while reducing the risks associated with improper equipment use and inadequate training.