International Assocation
of Fire Fighters Alberta
FIREFIGHTER HEALTH
Recognize · Prevent · Detect
Strengthening occupational cancer recognition, prevention and early detection will better protect Alberta's Fire Fighters.
Occupational Cancer Parity
Restoring Parity to Alberta's Fire Fighters
Alberta has a history of leading other provinces and territories in recognizing Fire Fighter occupational cancers. In recent years, other jurisdictions have continued advancing, leaving Alberta comparatively behind in recognizing seven cancers.
The Ask:
For the Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration to bring parity to Alberta's Fire Fighters by amending the Fire Fighters' Primary Site Cancer Regulation to include the following seven occupational cancers:
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Primary Site Penile Cancer
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Mesothelioma Cancer (Non-Pulmonary)
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Laryngeal Cancer
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Nose Cancer
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Pharyngeal Cancer
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Tracheal Cancer
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Bronchial Cancer
Latency
Shorter Latency Periods Reflect Today's Understanding
Occupational cancers have various latency periods, the length of time a Fire Fighter must have worked before a cancer claim can be recognized as occupational. With additional studies, we are learning that many of those latency periods are far too great. Current studies indicate a 2-7 year latency period is much more appropriate for Fire Fighter occupational cancers.
The Ask:
Bring Alberta's Fire Fighter cancer coverage in line with current research by amending the Firefighters' Primary Site Cancer Regulation to reduce the latency period for all Fire Fighter occupational cancers to 5 years, reflecting the middle range of the current recommendation and the lowest latency period already used in Alberta.
Cancer Prevention Mechanisms
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." — Benjamin Franklin
We know there are numerous carcinogens in the products of combustion. Fire Fighters have no choice but to enter these environments to suppress the fire. Our PPE protects us, to various degrees, from these carcinogens, but we can do more.
The Ask:
Exposure tracking, additional sets of bunker gear, decontamination protocols, station designs, and culture can all help reduce the absorption of these known carcinogens.
Early Cancer Detection
Means Early Intervention and Better Outcomes
Early cancer detection saves WCB from the costs associated with a late diagnosis. Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) estimates the average cost of a fatal Fire Fighters occupational cancer claim is $500,000, whereas annual early cancer screening costs approximately $750 per Fire Fighter.
In addition to these known worker compensation costs, the costs of the Heroes grant, insurance policies, and a Fire Fighter burdening the provincial health care network in an already overtaxed system are all additional costs.
The Ask:
Establish a Fire Fighter Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Regulation, as per OHS Act Sections 56 and 59, to ensure that preventative measures are taken and Fire Fighters are screened early for cancers.