Costs and Benefits of the Proposed Occupational Health and Safety Regulation: 202-Firefighting

Authors

• University of New Mexico Bureau of Business and Economic Research

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

4-10-1984

Abstract

This report presents a preliminary economic cost-benefit analysis regarding proposed occupational health and safety standards for firefighters in New Mexico. Looking specifically at personal equipment upgrades and medical surveillance criteria for 7,426 professional and volunteer firefighters, the study determines that the quantified costs are approximately $87,000 per year. The author concludes that this investment is modest compared to the immense socioeconomic value of preventing even a single line-of-duty death or severe injury, meaning the regulation is highly likely to yield positive net benefits.

Recommended Citation

Church, Albert M., Costs and Benefits of the Proposed Occupational Health and Safety Regulation: 202-Firefighting, University of New Mexico Bureau of Business and Economic Research, April 10, 1984.