Workers

Firefighters


Firefighters provide an essential service in the province, protecting our communities by responding to emergencies. By equipping firefighters with the necessary knowledge and tools, we can work together to reduce incidents, enhance well-being and protect those who dedicate their lives to serving others.


Understanding Increased Risks to Firefighter Health

Firefighters are exposed to many hazards during the course of their careers. Understanding these hazards and implementing effective prevention strategies is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of our province’s firefighters. It is also important to recognize the role of early detection and treatment on improved health outcomes for injured and ill firefighters. 


Training Course: Best Practices in Firefighter Cancer Prevention

The Firefighter Cancer Prevention Course was developed to provide informative awareness, prevention, and educational materials to help protect the health and wellness of first responders.

  • Raising awareness of occupational cancer risks within the fire service is the priority objective of this cancer prevention training material.
  • Educational resources, such as this were developed and distributed, to provide fire service members with the information they need to better protect themselves and change the culture to reduce cancer and increase survival statistics.

After completing this course, you will be able to promote and facilitate cancer prevention methods and best practices that relate to the fire service in Newfoundland and Labrador.

COMING SOON: WorkplaceNL’s new online, on-demand Firefighter Cancer Prevention course will be available summer 2025! Check back here for updates.

For more information, please contact:

Jane Eustace
Manager, Prevention Services
[email protected] | 709.778.1165   


Presumptive Claim Criteria

The following links describe presumption legislation and policy that may be applicable to a firefighter:

1. Cancer
2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
3. Cardiac Conditions

General Resources
Firefighter Awareness Poster – Cancer preventionFirefighter Awareness Poster – Cancer riskFirefighter Awareness Poster – SootGovernment of NL: Best Practices in Firefighter Cancer Prevention GuideHealth Care Provider – Firefighter Awareness PosterHealth Care Provider – Firefighter Screening ReferenceOccupational Health and Safety ActThe Signal Podcast #25: Sharing the Responsibility of Mental Health in the WorkplaceThe Signal Podcast #31: First Responder Warm Line for Mental Health SupportWorkplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act, 2022Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is presumptive coverage?
2. What benefits do firefighters receive as a result of presumptive coverage?
3. How long will it take to receive a decision on my occupational disease claim?
4. What happens when WorkplaceNL receives my occupational disease form?
5. What should I do if I have further questions?