Cancer is still the leading cause of death for firefighters. Firefighters’ unions and some lawmakers have made progress in recent years, but there is much more that can be done to get better and more equitable access to prevention and treatment.
Firefighters are exposed to imminent risk, as we all know, and also to long-term risks that most of us never face. Smoke and fumes contain hazards, and even some of their protective gear contains carcinogens that could be released in fire conditions. Workers who deal with risks like that to protect the rest of us need to be well cared for when they face dire health consequences.
Bargaining Progress
Union activism can be part of the answer: some UCTE Locals with airport firefighters have been successful in negotiating language to create joint union-employer committees to examine carcinogen exposure in the workplace. Joint committees can be part of the prevention effort, by identifying and creating mitigation plans for risks in the workplace.
Progress in Saskatchewan
The battle against wildfires is unfortunately higher in profile each year. Increased awareness can be leveraged politically to help firefighters. Earlier this month, the presumptive list cancer for wildland firefighters in Saskatchewan expanded by six more forms of cancer.
What is a Presumptive Cancer?
The ‘presumption’ in presumptive cancer means that when a firefighter who meets the criteria (employment duration and others) is diagnosed with a cancer on the list, it is presumed to be an occupational disease.
In the context of facing cancer, that may sound like a minor detail, but it makes a big difference to the firefighters and their families to know that they will be cared for and compensated, and it can save them precious time and needless hassle in claiming benefits. Adding cancers to the list is a step forward for better access to treatment.
Province by Province Patchwork
Still, it’s not acceptable that someone’s access to treatment varies according to where they live and work. Each province and territory, having jurisdiction over healthcare and its own Workers’ Compensation Board, keeps its own list of presumptive cancers. Not all are equally comprehensive, and not all are equitable when it comes to gendered cancers – as our female firefighter members have pointed out.
Last year the federal government launched its National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting, which includes support for research, training, and testing to improve access to prevention and treatment. It also aims to addresses the inconsistencies in health and safety standards across different jurisdictions. UCTE hopes to see a national comprehensive presumptive cancer list for our airport firefighter members to end the variation and confusion.
We are still working toward a day when wildfire fighters, airport firefighters, and all firefighters can expect the cancer prevention and treatment they deserve. We will keep you posted on continued progress.
