CLAYTON – The Clayton Fire Department is partnering with the University of North Carolina (UNC) to improve firefighter safety and health, shaping better practices for fire services nationwide. This collaboration is part of an 18-month research study focused on reducing slips, trips, and falls – one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in fire service.
The study aims to identify slip, trip, and fall risk factors using the Total Worker Health® approach and share these results with fire departments to identify feasible mitigation strategies.
Data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlights the importance of this research. Nearly 20% of all firefighter injuries result from slips, trips, and falls, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies.
“Participating in this study gives the Clayton Fire Department a chance to make a tangible difference in the daily lives of firefighters everywhere,” said Fire Chief David Ranes. “By sharing our experiences and insights, we’re helping to build a foundation of safety that will benefit fire service professionals for years to come.”
39 employees from the Clayton Fire Department volunteered to participate in this grant-funded initiative. During the first full week of January, researchers from UNC’s MOTION Science Institute collaborated with the department across all three shifts. This inclusive, hands-on approach is designed to provide a thorough understanding of how to reduce risks in the physically demanding environments that firefighters encounter daily.
Chief Ranes’ involvement in the study stems from a professional relationship he developed with Dr. Eric Ryan (Project Principal Investigator) while serving with the Cary Fire Department. While several other local fire departments around North Carolina have taken part in similar research efforts, Clayton’s strong participation highlights the department’s dedication to supporting groundbreaking research that aims to address one of the most common and preventable causes of injuries among firefighters. By taking part in this initiative, the department is setting a standard for proactive safety measures in the fire service.
“Safety is at the core of what we do,” Chief Ranes added. “When our firefighters are protected and healthy, they can continue serving the community with the highest level of care and dedication. This study is an investment not just in our department, but in every community that relies on first responders.”
