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By Teena Monteleone

WCB extends coverage

Saskatchewan firefighters receive enhanced cancer coverage

Dec 16, 2024 | 4:00 PM

Six new types of cancer have been added to the list that Saskatchewan Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) covers for most firefighters.

The addition of coverage for primary site penile, pancreatic, thyroid, soft tissue sarcoma, mesothelioma and laryngeal cancer brings the total number of firefighter cancers covered by the WCB to 22. Primary site refers to the location on the body where the cancer first appears and grows from. A minimum period of employment is required for coverage. It’s available for full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters.

“These heroes often put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. This enhanced coverage is an important way for us to help support these brave firefighters and their families,” said WCB chair Gord Dobrowolsky.

Ben Hunter, president of the Prince Albert Firefighters Association Local 510 said the additional coverage has been a long time coming.

“Statistics show that 68 per cent of firefighters will die of cancer in their lifetime. So, it’s not just a matter of if, it’s a matter of when its going to happen,” Hunter said. “While we don’t fight house fires every day, every time we go into one, you know you’re further exposing yourself to all these carcinogens and increasing your risk of dying from one of these cancers.”

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Hunter said the association is working at reducing the risk of exposure to chemicals even within their own protective equipment. Turnout gear, for example, contains PFAS – also known as forever chemicals which are known to cause cancer. PFAS has been used in turnout gear for years to make it water resistant and to protect firefighters from moisture that causes burns and steam burns, but studies show that the chemicals can leak from the gear into a firefighter’s body and never leave their system. Back in June, the Prince Albert fire department purchased eight new sets of turnout gear that do not contain PFAS.

“We’re going to be lobbying our city council to replace all of our turnout gear with this new material, because it’s every day we put it on, it is exposing us to the hazardous chemicals that never leave our system,” said Hunter. “There is already enough risk in our industry to get cancer from many other ways, let alone the gear that’s supposed to protect us.”

The protective suits have a lifespan of about six years.

As for the updated list of covered cancers, the WCB said it will proactively review previously denied claims, however, firefighters or their dependants can also contact the WCB directly to re-evaluate a previous decision.

As with all reported injuries and diseases, WCB staff will gather all relevant information.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com