OHS Canada: B.C. expands workers’ comp cancer presumption for firefighters
by OHS Canada
Both professional firefighters and approximately 10,000 volunteer firefighters in B.C. have access to workers’ compensation related to cancer and other occupational diseases.
Toronto, Canada-20 September, 2019: Fire truck at a fire station ready to respond to emergency
B.C. firefighters will soon have easier access to workers’ compensation benefits and support services in recognition of their higher risk of developing work-related cancers, according to the provincial government.
The province is amending the Firefighters’ Occupational Disease Regulation under the Workers Compensation Act (WCA) by adding three cancers to the existing list of 13 that firefighters are at risk of developing.
“It goes without saying that firefighters face a lot of hazards in their work,” said Harry Bains, Minister of Labour.
“When it comes to the workers’ compensation system, they shouldn’t have to prove that certain long-term illnesses are work-related in order to access supports. B.C.’s firefighters have been asking for this protection, and I am proud to support these people who do so much to keep British Columbians safe.”
This article originally featured in OHS Canada Magazine. Read the full version here.
