FIREFIGHTERS are four times more likely to be hurt by tripping over than in a fire, it has been revealed.

According to the latest health and safety report for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, there were 86 accidents in 2008/09, compared to 90 the previous year.

But the number of work days lost to injury, 282, halved from the previous year.

The most common reason for injury was firefighters slip-ping and tripping over, with 22 cases reported.

There were 17 firefighters hurt in lifting and carrying, and 15 who were hit by “a moving, flying or falling object”.

Five were injured by fire, three hit by a moving vehicle, two were assaulted by a person, and one was hurt by an animal.

Steve Harman, of the Fire Brigades Union, said: “The reason we are reasonably safe with fires is because of the level of training we have.

“It is a very dangerous job, but the majority of our working day is taken up with training.

“It’s the same in factories and everywhere else.

“It’s a constant campaign to improve health and safety in the workplace.

“We always work closely with the fire service, and both sides co-operate fully in trying to promote health and safety.”

The report revealed there were also 77 “near misses” last year, an increase of five from the previous year.