Firefighters die of cancer at a rate up to four times higher than the general population.
On average, 50 to 60 firefighters die of cancer yearly in Canada. Half of those are in Ontario.
Last week the province announced it was expanding cancer coverage for firefighters to allow thyroid and pancreatic cancer claims to be processed faster.
St. Thomas Fire Chief Dave Gregory explains how the claims system works.
The changes will streamline the assessment of WSIB claims by presuming they are work-related.
Gregory explains what is meant by primary site cancers.
The changes apply to full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters, those employed by First Nations band councils and fire investigators.
The World Health Organization has reclassified firefighting to its highest level of occupational risk for cancer.
Gregory advises the cancer risks are increasing with new synthetic materials found in homes and furnishings.
Expanded WSIB coverage for firefighters related to pancreatic and thyroid cancers would be retroactive to Jan. 1, 1960.
Written by Ian McCallum
