Six more illnesses are being added to the “presumed” Workers’ Compensation coverage for Saskatchewan firefighters.

The province is adding prostate, skin, breast, cervical, ovarian cancer and multiple myeloma to the list of occupational diseases with presumed coverage.

Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan says this was an important step for the province. “We look to them everyday to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. We think making sure they are adequately covered and protected for their workplace injuries is something we absolutely need to do.”

Morgan says if any professional or volunteer firefighters get any of these illnesses, they just have to call WCB. “If a firefighter has one of those illnesses, even if they’ve had it for a while because it’s not for illnesses that have been diagnosed after a certain date, I would recommend they go see Workers’ Compensation immediately and make arrangements for their coverage.”

The additions come officially come into effect on November 15th, but Morgan says the coverage is ready to go as of now.

The province now has 15 forms of cancer and heart injuries covered for firefighters.