(CITY OF WINNIPEG / FILE)
The Manitoba government will introduce legislative changes to expand presumptive workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters.
In a release over the weekend, the province said it will recognize the occupational health risks firefighters face on the job.
“When firefighters develop serious illnesses linked to hazards they encounter at work, they shouldn’t have to fight for support,” said Premier Wab Kinew, noting firefighters are routinely exposed to smoke, hazardous chemicals, carcinogens, extreme temperatures, and physically demanding conditions with long-term health effects.
The changes will expand the scope of recognized occupational illnesses and make it easier for firefighters and wildfire fighters to access Workers Compensation Board benefits by presuming an illness is work-related unless evidence proves otherwise. Under current legislation, that presumption can still be challenged by contrary evidence.
