The reproductive systems of all firefighters will soon be eligible for workers香蕉视频直播� compensation benefits.
Firefighters are covered by benefits for 13 known high-risk cancers 香蕉视频直播� the province plans to add ovarian, cervical and penile cancers. Members also won香蕉视频直播檛 have to work as long before being eligible for coverage for testicular, colorectal and esophageal cancers.
Anthony Moore, president of the First Nations Emergency Services Society sees significant value in the additions.
香蕉视频直播淭hese changes will benefit all fire departments and personnel, particularly volunteer fire departments and those with minimal resources, including the many strong female First Nations firefighters who serve their communities,香蕉视频直播� he said.
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A 2018 study at the University of Fraser Valley found cancer represented more than 86 per cent of all fatality claims in B.C., with an annual rate of 50 fatalities per 100,000 firefighters.
Firefighters face hazards at work and they香蕉视频直播檝e been asking for this protection, Minister of Labour Harry Bains said in a news release.
香蕉视频直播淲hen it comes to the workers香蕉视频直播� compensation system, they shouldn香蕉视频直播檛 have to prove that certain long-term illnesses are work-related in order to access supports,香蕉视频直播� he said.
The change to the Firefighters香蕉视频直播� Occupational Disease Regulation in the Workers Compensation Act will mean easier access to benefits and support services while recognizing the higher risk of developing work-related cancers.
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If a firefighter develops a listed cancer after a certain period of employment, it is presumed the cancer is a result of the job and the individual is eligible for workers香蕉视频直播� compensation benefits without having to prove the cancer is work-related. While all firefighters can be exposed to the same hazards, the amendments add gender-specific cancers to the list of those covered.
香蕉视频直播淲e are extremely thankful 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. 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,香蕉视频直播� said Gord Ditchburn, president of the BC Professional Fire Fighters香蕉视频直播� Association.
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