Abstract
Background
Helmet use among skiers and snowboarders is increasing but remains under 65%. In 2009, Vail Resorts implemented a mandatory helmet use policy for professional staff.
Objectives
This study sought to measure support for this policy among resort employees, as well as the impact of the policy on job satisfaction and planned helmet use.
Methods
A convenience sample of 728 lift operators, ski patrollers, and instructors participated in a paper-based survey during work orientation or training programs. Survey questions included demographics, primary snow sport activity, helmet use, agreement with the helmet mandate and job satisfaction. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence limits (CI) were calculated to test for associations between age, gender and snow sport activity and 3 primary outcomes: agreement with the policy; job satisfaction; and planned helmet use.
Results
Of those surveyed: 82.2% were male; 52.3% were over age 25; 53.4% had worked 3+ seasons in the ski industry; and 56% were primarily skiers. Most employees (66.5%; 95% CI, 63%–70%) agreed with the helmet policy. Only 18% (95% CI, 16%–21%) reported a negative effect on job satisfaction. Older employees (>25 years) were more likely to disagree with the policy (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.2–4.3) and report a negative effect on job satisfaction (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 3.0–7.6). Skiers were much more likely to report a negative effect on job satisfaction (OR, 9.8; 95% CI, 5.2–18.1). Twenty percent (95% CI, 17.4%–23.3%) of employees reported they “always” wore a helmet while skiing or snowboarding recreationally prior to the mandate, while 32.4% (95% CI, 29.1%–35.9%) reported they intend to “always wear a helmet” while skiing recreationally this year.
Conclusions
A mandatory resort-wide helmet use policy was supported by most resort employees and appears to increase planned recreational helmet use. Only a minority (primarily older, more experienced employees) reported a decline in job satisfaction.