As a critical part of their job, firefighters often climb aerial ladders up to 30 meters (or 98 feet) long and positioned at various angles. Aerial ladders are mechanically-operated, long, extendable ladders mounted on fire trucks and are used to reach high places for extinguishing fires and rescue operations. While climbing, firefighters typically wear heavy protective equipment and may also carry additional equipment related to fighting fires or rescuing occupants from burning buildings. They may work in extremely cold or hot environments. In 2021, nearly 32% of the estimated 60,450 firefighter line-of-duty injuries occurred during fire-ground operations. Overexertion and strain
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