Analysis of the Impact of Occupational Safety on Confined Space Rescue Operations in the Buena Fe Canton Fire Department.

Abstract

Within the work of firefighters, rescue operations in confined spaces are among the most difficult and risky tasks, due to exposure to toxic gases, poor ventilation, restricted movement, and the significant physical and mental exertion required. The main objective was to examine how workplace safety practices affect effectiveness, hazard prevention, and the safeguarding of lives during interventions in highly confined spaces. The results of the survey align with the theories analyzed, suggesting that fundamental institutional constraints are not isolated but rather correspond to patterns widely documented in the literature. The most critical factors, such as inadequate training, lack of ergonomics and technology, inconsistent adherence to protocols, coordination deficiencies, and psychological impact, reinforce each other and contribute to the complexity of the identified problem. This analytical convergence provides a solid foundation for developing improvement proposals aimed at strengthening workplace safety and maximizing operational efficiency in high-risk tasks. The findings highlight that qualitative and quantitative data show that the lack of adequate safety conditions significantly increases the risk of accidents, operational failures, and physical and psychological harm to rescuers, as previous research in similar situations has indicated.