[Equipment, Risk Awareness and Safety-Relevant Behaviour of Via Ferrata Climbers].
BACKGROUND
Climbing via ferrata routes is becoming more and more popular. The growing number of via ferrata climbers is associated with an increasing number of accidents. In addition to adequate equipment and its correct handling, knowledge of specific risks and safety-related behaviour play an important role for safety on via ferrata routes. The goal of this study was to collect data on equipment, via ferrata-specific risk knowledge, safety-related behaviour, and general risk-taking behaviour of via ferrata climbers.


METHODS
In this survey, data of 332 climbers of different via ferrata routes in Tyrol (Austria) were collected using a standardised data entry form including socio-demographic data, the use of via ferrata-specific equipment and first aid equipment. Knowledge of via ferrata-specific risks was assayed by a questionnaire including 4 questions. Additionally, safety-related behaviour and general risk-taking behaviour of the via ferrata climbers were evaluated.


RESULTS
92 % of the interviewed persons were wearing a helmet and helmet use was significantly lower in females (86 %) compared to males (96 %). In total, 10 % of the via ferrata climbers used inadequate belaying equipment or no equipment at all. The 4 questions related to via ferrata-specific risks were correctly answered by an average of 46 % of the climbers. A partner check was carried out by 76 % before starting the tour. 96 % of the climbers stated they ask the climber ahead of them for the possibility to overtake and wait for a suitable and safe spot. 64 % reported that they would not pass without self-belay. General risk-taking behaviour was scored at 4.26 ± 1.75 with significant differences between female and male via ferrata climbers (3.79 ± 1.37 vs. 4.53 ± 1.88).


CONCLUSIONS
Although most of the via ferrata climbers use adequate equipment, helmet use could be optimised in females. Via ferrata climbers should be better informed of the risks of climbing via ferrata routes and safety-related behaviour. Preventive measures including information panels at the entrances of the via ferrata routes and broad information campaigns could contribute to reduce the number of accidents.
Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Universität Innsbruck, Österreich.
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Faulhaber
Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Universität Innsbruck, Österreich.
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Pocecco
Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Universität Innsbruck, Österreich.
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Ritter
Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit, Innsbruck, Österreich.
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Bilek
Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Universität Innsbruck, Österreich.
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Kopp
Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Universität Innsbruck, Österreich.
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Burtscher
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000293:injuries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000067393:Personal Protective Equipment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012309:Risk-Taking; D017751:Safety Management / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D019876:Sports Equipment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires