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Firefighters sue over excessive noise from sirens
The Buffalo News recently published an article discussing a legal case involving firefighters in Buffalo who are suing over the potential harm caused by the loud sirens on emergency vehicles.
Firefighters have long relied on the distinctive, high-pitched sound of sirens as a symbol of their profession. However, with the constant exposure to these powerful sounds, questions are now being raised about whether the sirens are causing hearing damage among those who work with them daily.
Over 190 firefighters from Buffalo have taken legal action, claiming that the manufacturers or users of the sirens were aware of the risks but failed to take appropriate measures. These lawsuits mirror similar cases filed by firefighters in cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The plaintiffs argue that the companies involved "knew or should have known" that the sirens posed a danger.
Currently, 20 of these cases are being heard in federal court in Buffalo, with six defendants having moved the cases from state to federal jurisdiction. Anthony J. Colucci III, a lawyer representing one of the defendants, Pierce Manufacturing, emphasized that all parties have the right to have their claims addressed through the judicial system.
This is not the first time firefighters have pursued legal action over hearing loss. In early 2011, Federal Signal Corp., a major manufacturer of fire engine sirens, reached a settlement with 1,125 firefighters. The company offered $3.8 million, averaging around $3,380 per firefighter. Although described as a “favorable development†by the company, they maintained that they had strong legal defenses and believed the sirens were essential for public safety.
One of the lawyers representing the Buffalo firefighters, Bern, claims that the firefighters were exposed to excessive noise due to poorly designed truck compartments that lacked proper sound insulation. He argues that this environment contributed significantly to their hearing loss.
In addition to Federal Signal, other defendants in the current lawsuits include American LaFrance, Kovatch Mobile Equipment, Seagrave Fire Apparatus, and Mack Trucks—companies based in Pennsylvania.
The connection between noise exposure and hearing loss among firefighters has been well-documented for years. In 1992, U.S. Fire Administrator Olin L. Greene called noise “the most underrated health hazard†for emergency responders. A 2007 study conducted by the University of California found that nearly 40% of firefighters were at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The research also revealed that only about one-third of firefighters regularly used ear protection devices such as earplugs or earmuffs.
As these cases continue to unfold, the debate over the safety of siren use in emergency vehicles remains ongoing, with both sides presenting compelling arguments about responsibility, health, and the necessity of these life-saving tools.