6 cancers assumed to be caused by the job
Saskatchewan firefighters will receive presumptive coverage for six cancers, as per a recently announced amendment to the Workers’ Compensation Act.
Firefighters will be able to file a claim for prostate, skin, breast, cervical and ovarian cancer, as well as multiple myeloma under the occupational disease presumption. This addition makes Saskatchewan a leader in Canada for the number of occupational diseases firefighters have presumptive coverage for, the government said.
“Firefighters are running toward danger as others run away, and face great risks when performing their duties in often challenging situations,” said Don Morgan Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister. “They also face the potential of dealing with occupational diseases related to their chosen profession.”
The newly-added cancers also recognize the changing demographics among firefighters, with one-half primarily or only impacting women.
“This is an important day for firefighters across Saskatchewan,” said Lloyd Zwack, president of the Saskatchewan Professional Firefighters Association. “We appreciate the government continuing to recognize the hazards we face every day and to know that they are just as committed to our long-term health as we are to keeping the province safe.”
To apply for workers’ compensation, applicants will need to provide a diagnosis and other required information from a medical professional to support their claim.
