Greater Manchester fire Service: Over 200 staff injured while on duty

Newly released figures have highlighted the risks faced by frontline firefighters, revealing that Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has recorded more than 200 staff injuries sustained while on duty over the past three years.

Data obtained by Accident Claims Advice shows the physical demands placed on emergency crews as they continue to operate under mounting pressure, responding to a wide range of incidents across the region.

Firefighting remains one of the most hazardous public sector roles in the UK. Personnel regularly work in extreme heat and smoke-filled environments, navigate unstable structures, handle heavy equipment, and attend traumatic incidents, including building fires, road traffic collisions, and hazardous material emergencies.

The risks seen locally reflect a national picture. Official statistics for England for the year ending March 2024 recorded 2,408 on-duty firefighter injuries, with around 40% occurring during active emergency responses, such as fires, rescues, and other operational callouts.

Within Greater Manchester, injury numbers peaked during 2023/24, when 85 firefighters were injured while working, the highest figure recorded across the three-year period. Although the most recent year saw a reduction, 69 staff injuries were still recorded, indicating that on-the-job risks remain significant.

Fire service injuries commonly include burns, smoke inhalation, musculoskeletal damage, slips and falls, and impact injuries caused by falling debris or structural collapse. 

National safety reviews have repeatedly warned that stretched staffing levels, increasingly complex incidents and ageing infrastructure can all heighten the danger faced by firefighters.

Further analysis by Accident Claims Advice identified the most frequent causes of injury across Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service. Manual handling was the leading factor, accounting for 47 injuries, closely followed by slips, trips and falls, which resulted in 44 incidents.

Speaking about the need for increased investment, Adam Taylor, Fire Brigades Union national officer, said: “Too often firefighters are not being provided with the basic equipment and training they need to keep themselves and the public safe.

“Without proper PPE, firefighters face an impossible choice between heat stroke and exposing themselves to burns, either from flames or the sun.

“We urgently need investment to sort out this problem. We also need national standards on equipment and training, as well as response times and crewing levels.”

Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service operates 41 fire stations across the region, serving a population of almost three million people. 

Over the three-year period, the highest number of staff injuries occurred on Greater Manchester Combined Authority and fire service premises, where 70 incidents were recorded, followed by domestic properties, which accounted for 33 injuries.

Accident Claims Advice offers support to those who have suffered injuries whilst at work and can see if they have grounds to submit a claim.

They operate a 24-hour helpline, with an online claim form too, which you can access on their website.