Cancer kills more firefighters than fire. Changes to health coverage in Sask. are offering more support

Firefighters in Saskatchewan have long been advocating for better cancer coverage, and their efforts have finally paid off with the Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board (WCB) expanding coverage for firefighters in the province. This development comes as a relief for firefighters like Tyler Packham, who has dedicated 23 years of his life to serving as a firefighter in Regina.

Packham’s personal experience with cancer highlights the risks that firefighters face on the job. After being screened at a firefighting conference, nodules were discovered on his thyroid, leading to surgery to remove them. Despite this scare, Packham remains hopeful that the nodules on the other side do not progress to cancer.

The recognition of firefighting as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization and the acknowledgment by Health Canada that cancer is the leading cause of job-related deaths for firefighters underscore the urgency of providing better protection for these frontline workers.

As the president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 181, Packham has been actively involved in lobbying for improved health coverage for firefighters. The recent expansion of coverage by the Saskatchewan WCB includes 22 types of cancer, with six new additions such as primary-site thyroid, pancreatic, penile, soft tissue sarcoma, mesothelioma, and laryngeal cancers.

Despite the inherent risks of the job, Packham describes firefighting as “the best job in the world.” However, he acknowledges the hidden hazards that come with the profession, such as exposure to chemical residues from fires and the materials they encounter regularly.

The coverage provided by the WCB applies to full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters in Saskatchewan who are diagnosed with one of the specified cancers. However, there are restrictions based on the number of years served before eligibility for coverage. These restrictions are informed by research indicating the likelihood of certain cancers based on a firefighter’s exposure over time.

While Packham appreciates the new supports, he emphasizes the need for further improvements, such as reducing the latency period for coverage and expanding the coverage to include all possible cancers that firefighters may develop.

In addition to coverage, the WCB is also focusing on preventative measures to support firefighters, including providing fresh gear, ensuring regular cleaning of equipment, and improving ventilation in fire halls.

Overall, the expanded coverage by the Saskatchewan WCB is a significant step towards better protecting firefighters and addressing the health risks they face in the line of duty. With continued advocacy and support, firefighters like Packham can feel more secure in their vital role in protecting the community.