The three cancers being added to the list are ovarian, cervical and penile cancer.
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Three types of cancer are being added to BC’s existing list of cancers frequently suffered by firefighters that are covered by workers’ compensation.
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“It goes without saying that firefighters face a lot of hazards in their work,” said Labor Minister Harry Bains in a statement.
“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.
“BC’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.”
The three cancers being added to the list are ovarian, cervical and penile cancer. If a firefighter is diagnosed with one of the now 16 listed cancers after working as a firefighter for a certain period, they will be able to access workers’ compensation without having to prove the cancer is directly work-related.
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Another amendment coming to the Firefighters’ Occupational Disease Regulation under the Workers Compensation Act includes a shorter period of employment required before a firefighter is eligible to access coverage for testicular, colorectal and esophageal cancers.
“We are extremely grateful for the expansion of the presumptive list of occupational diseases recognized in the legislation, along with the reduction in cumulative latency periods for other existing cancers,” said Gord Ditchburn, president of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association.
“Our female firefighters who are on the front lines must be recognized, and we stand with them in our advocacy for health, safety and support for all members.”
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