Firefighters take risks. Some of those risks are hidden but they are very real and local fire departments have been brought up to date with an information session for their staff and volunteers about how to mitigate these risks.
The job-related risk involves a number of cancers that have been documented among firefighters. In November 2021 the Manitoba government announced an addition of five cancers that firefighters are at risk for. These are added to 14 types of cancer already included in the Workers Compensation Act (WCA).
On this topic, a Firefighter Cancer Awareness Presentation was held in Virden’s Aud Theatre on Feb. 2. The session was hosted by Oak Lake Mutual Aid District, organized by Dean Brooker, for nine surrounding fire departments including the Wallace District Fire Department (WDFD), Pipestone and Woodworth Fire Department (Kenton).
Two female firefighters, told their stories and brought information to an audience of firefighters, their families, and municipal officials.
Councillor for the RM of Wallace-Woodworth, Barb Stambuski attended, where she learned that the cancer rate in firefighters is 9% higher than within the general population.
Leah Kosolofski a 29 – year veteran in fire service, was one of the keynote speakers. She was diagnosed with bladder cancer at 46. According to her brief story in the publication www.detectogether.org, bladder cancer is usually a disease of the elderly. The diagnosis was unexpected at her age, but through her persistent visits to the doctor, it was discovered and treated.
She says, “My advice to others, especially firefighters, is listen to your body. We know when something is off or wrong. Be an advocate for yourself and educate your doctors about firefighter cancers. Get screened yearly and change your habits if needed.”
Rose-Mary Edwards, a 26-year veteran in firefighting shared her story. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. Both firefighters are now cancer free.
WDFD Fire Chief Tyson Van Eaton said it was a valuable session. Roughly 50 people attended the presentation which included details about compensation for firefighters affected by cancer.
Van Eaton said, “I was familiar with the higher rate of cancer among firefighters. But I wasn’t aware of the different cancers.”
Thorough decontamination of the equipment is key. Van Eaton says, “So that’s one of the new chapters that have been added to the Level 1 firefighting program. It’s called Fire Ground Contamination Reduction.
“There’s four different ways of contamination reduction that we practice and go through the skill sheets that our firefighters will be tested on when they go to the [fire] college for their certifications.”
Covid meant a delay in certifications so now there are 11 firefighters in Virden taking Level 1 training.
Commercial washers and dryers for the suits/gear are needed in the fire halls.
Virden has had these for several years; Elkhorn fire hall has just installed the machines; and Woodworth Fire Department is holding a fundraiser in April to pay for the purchase of the washer and dryer they need.
ABOUT WCA
The Manitoba government has amended the Workers Compensation Act (WCA) to include coverage for five additional cancers to the list of presumptive cancers, pertaining to firefighters and at-risk personnel in the Manitoba Fire Commissioners Office, becoming a national leader in taking this step to protect Manitobans on the front lines, Premier Heather Stefanson made the announcement in late 2021.
“Each and every single day, firefighters in every community of our province put their lives at risk to help those in need and for that we are deeply grateful,” said Stefanson. “We recognize firefighters are at a heightened risk of contracting various cancers due to the nature of their work and the inevitable exposure to carcinogens on the job, despite all efforts to prevent and mitigate exposure risks. We are pleased to work with the firefighters association to make these changes that will enhance supports and benefits for their members.”
Being added to the 14 types of cancer already included in the act are:
- primary site thyroid cancer;
- primary site pancreatic cancer;
- primary ovarian cancer;
- primary site cervical cancer; and
- primary site penile cancer.
President of Manitoba Professional Firefighters Association at the time, Alex Forrest said, “These additions to the firefighters’ presumptive cancer list will make Manitoba’s legislation one of the strongest in the world and our legislation will be a template for proper WCB support for firefighters around the world being diagnosed with occupational cancers they received due to the exposures they encountered while simply doing their job.
He noted the compensation act now supports women in the fire service, providing them equal protection with their male counterparts and he credited Premier Heather Stefanson for this move.
The first list of presumptive cancers for firefighters was added to the act in 2002. The list was expanded in 2005, with coverage extended to part-time firefighters. The list was further expanded in 2009, and again in 2011, along with the addition of coverage for Fire Commissioner personnel.
