Almost six firefighters are hurt at work each week in Sussex, a report has revealed.

New statistics show 269 officers suffered injuries while answering 999 calls, taking part in training drills or carrying out routine duties at the fire station during in the 12 months to April 2004.

The annual report by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister into England and Wales' 50 fire brigades reveals East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has one of the highest rates of sick leave in the country.

Earlier this year, the Audit Commission warned fire brigades that high levels of ill-health were badly damaging performance.

The report reveals 148 East Sussex firefighters suffered injuries, with 86 hurt on operational duties such as tackling fires or dealing with vehicle collisions.

Another 27 spent more than three days off sick for major injuries, which can include fractured bones, burns, amputations, dislocations of hips and knees, loss of sight, electric shocks, burns and poisoning.

A further 32 officers were injured during training and 30 needed medical attention following routine activities, such as patching up stations, fire engines and hoses.

In West Sussex, 121 firefighters were hurt at work - 42 on operational duties, 41 training and 38 during routine activities.

In total, East Sussex's 438 firefighters lost 4,902 shifts due to ill-health - 15,440 due to long-term sickness.

The average of 11.2 shifts off sick per person was third worst in England behind Avon (18.0), Bedfordshire and Luton (14.5) and London (13.5).

West Sussex's 402 fire officers had a total of 3,696 days off sick - an average of 9.2 days per person, compared to the national average of 10.4 days.

During the 12 month period, East Sussex handled 24,515 emergency calls and West Sussex dealth with 22,324.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "Our health and safety methods are good but we now have better recording procedures.

"That might be a reason for the high number of injuries. As for sickness days, most of these are certified by a doctor."

East Sussex said the cause of its high sickness levels in 2003/4 was mainly related to the industrial action that year.

A spokesman said a number of steps had been taken to improve the health and safety record, including the promotion of safety and driving courses as well as assessment of all safety incidents.

He said: "We do not accept that accidents caused by dangerous training are part of the job and are therefore working in close collaboration with our staff to improve the situation."