Health and Safety ReportVolume 24, Issue 04

From flames and smoke to rescues in confined spaces, firefighters can encounter any number of visible hazards on a given day. But the leading cause of duty-related deaths among firefighters in Canada is one you can’t see – cancer.

The risk firefighters face of both developing and dying from cancer is higher than the general population. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies the occupational exposures associated with firefighting as carcinogenic to humans. To keep firefighters as safe as possible, keep prevention front and centre in how the work is done every day.

Know the sources of risk

Firefighters are exposed to carcinogens through smoke, soot, building materials, diesel exhaust, chemicals in equipment and gear, and other sources. Exposures can happen while fighting fires, but also during overhaul, training, mobile equipment operation, and even back at the station or base camp.

Exposure occurs in three ways: inhalation, skin absorption, and ingestion. Breathing in contaminated air is the most direct route, but contaminants can also pass through the skin or enter the body when firefighters eat, drink, or touch their face with contaminated hands. These risks can continue after an incident if gear, tools, and vehicles are not properly cleaned.

Control exposures at every stage

Prevention starts with limiting exposure as much as possible. Purchase battery electric vehicles and per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS)-free gear. Managing diesel exhaust in stations through proper ventilation and capture systems is another key step.

Consider training environments as well. Reducing unnecessary exposure during live fire training can lower the risk. Remember to inspect equipment regularly.

Provide respiratory protection and make sure it fits and is used correctly, not only during active firefighting but also during other tasks where harmful chemicals may remain in the air, such as equipment decontamination. Firefighters must be trained to use and care for personal protective equipment. Employers can help by setting clear expectations, providing the right equipment, and reinforcing consistent use through supervision and training.

Stop contaminants from spreading

The exposures may not be over when fires are no longer active – contaminated gear can continue to release harmful chemicals after the incident is over.

Simple practices make a difference. Bagging and sealing contaminated gear, keeping it out of shared vehicle spaces, and decontaminating it as soon as possible all help reduce ongoing exposure. Providing access to showers and cleaning supplies allows firefighters to help reduce contaminants from their skin.

Consider daily habits that can aid in prevention. Firefighters should avoid eating or drinking in contaminated environments and take time to wash their hands with soap and water before eating or drinking. Provide them with clean areas, appropriate facilities, and enough time between tasks to follow these practices.

Build prevention into health monitoring

Firefighters face increased risks for several types of cancer, so regular health monitoring is essential. Support them by establishing medical surveillance programs, encouraging annual check-ups, and ensuring workers understand their exposure history. Firefighters can take an active role by attending medical screenings regularly, reporting symptoms early, and sharing information about their work exposures with their health care providers.

Improving data collection and sharing across jurisdictions has been identified as a priority in Canada. Better data supports better prevention by helping organizations understand where and how exposures occur.

Recognize the role of rotational shift work

Work schedules also influence cancer risk. Firefighters often work long, irregular, or overnight shifts, and night shift work has been identified as a probable carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Fatigue management strategies, such as limiting consecutive night shifts and allowing adequate recovery time, support overall health and reduce strain on the body. Treat fatigue as a health and safety hazard. Allow firefighters to take rest and recovery seriously as part of maintaining their long-term health.

Support long-term health

Workplace controls are critical, but they are only part of the picture. Physical fitness, nutrition, sleep, and mental health all play a role in reducing the overall risk of disease.

Employers can support healthy choices by providing access to fitness equipment, nutritious food options, and mental health resources. Firefighters can support their own health by staying active, maintaining consistent sleep routines where possible, and seeking support when needed.

Prevention is a shared responsibility

Reducing occupational cancer risk in the fire service takes more than awareness. It requires consistent action at every level, from daily work practices to organizational policies and national coordination.

Across Canada, efforts are underway to improve research, strengthen standards, and share knowledge to better protect firefighters.

Resources

• Cancer Awareness and Prevention in the Fire Service, CCOHS
• National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting, Government of Canada
• Occupational Exposure as a Firefighter, International Agency for Research on Cancer

Harassment and violence, such as bullying, threats, verbal abuse, and physical attacks, can occur in any workplace and affect workers across all industries. Employers are responsible for taking steps to help prevent harassment and violence, and investigating, documenting and reporting incidents when they occur. Following these steps can help create and maintain a workplace that is free from harassment and violence.

• Understand your legal requirements. All jurisdictions in Canada have harassment and violence legislation. Know the requirements that apply in your province or territory, including employer duties for prevention, reporting, and investigation.
• Assess the risks. Regularly identify and assess factors in your workplace that may increase the risk of harassment and violence. These factors may include working late hours or with the public, and handling money or other valuables.
• Control the risks. Implement measures to eliminate or reduce the risk through workplace design, procedures, and work practices. For example, installing physical barriers, using video surveillance, keeping valuables safely stored, and using a buddy system can help reduce the risk.
• Outline policies and procedures. Develop a policy with clear examples of unacceptable behaviour and their consequences. Include procedures for reporting, responding to, and investigating incidents, with clear roles and responsibilities.
• Provide ongoing education and training. Educate everyone on how to recognize risks, report concerns, respond appropriately, and access support. Include training on conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• Foster a respectful workplace. Model cooperative, inclusive and fair behaviour, and reinforce expectations for civility and respect in the workplace.
• Encourage reporting and support workers. Make sure workers feel safe reporting incidents without fear of reprisal. Ensure concerns are addressed promptly with confidentiality and fairness, and that appropriate supports are available.

A firm commitment to preventing harassment and violence starts with assessing and controlling risks, and is supported with clear policies and procedures, and education and training. Together, these steps can help create a safer and more respectful workplace for everyone.

CCOHS resources:

• Violence and Harassment in the Workplace, fact sheet
• Respect: Everyone Deserves It, poster
• Workplace Harassment and Violence, infographic
• Preventing Harassment and Violence in the Workplace, pocket guide

Did you know that every year in Canada more than 30,000 young people are injured on the job?  

With most of these injuries happening in the first six months at work, it makes good sense to help get young workers started on safe footing. Parents and guardians play a key role in making sure they come home safely every day. Watch our new fun video for pop-up facts you should know – and if you start dancing, just make sure you’re doing it safely.  

Visit Safety Starts at Home for more interesting facts and tips. These resources were developed in partnership with provincial and territorial departments of labour and occupational safety and health agencies.

Featured Podcast: Day of Mourning: Jessica Blackie Gillis’ Story  

“Safety culture isn't built in big moments, it's built in small decisions over and over again. And those decisions are what make sure people go home to their families at the end of the day.” Threads of Life Ambassador Jessica Blackie Gillis’ life changed forever the day her brother Skyler died in a preventable workplace tragedy. Hear her powerful story. 

Listen to the podcast now. 

Encore podcast: Workplace Impacts from Climate Change 

Canada is warming at roughly twice the rate of the rest of the world, and the effects are being felt in workplaces across the country. Hear from a geoscientist and climate change expert on which industries are most affected and how employers and workers can adapt. 

Listen to the podcast now. 

See the complete list of podcast topics or, better yet, subscribe to the series on YouTube, iTunes or Spotify and don't miss a single episode.

Women pursuing a career in occupational health and safety are encouraged to apply for the Chad Bradley Scholarship for an opportunity to win $3,000.  

The scholarship is available to women enrolled in either a full-time or part-time health and safety related program leading to an occupational health and safety certificate, diploma, or degree at an accredited college or university in Canada.

The entry deadline is August 31, 2026.

Learn more about the scholarship, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Safety and Health Week takes place from May 4 to 9. Sign up for our free virtual events to help you celebrate, learn, and get inspired.  

Safety and Health Week National Launch
Monday, May 4 | 11 am EDT

Join us and our national partners, Health and Safety Professionals Canada (HSPC), and Threads of Life, to officially kick off Safety and Health Week. Hear from a Threads of Life family speaker, who will share how they were impacted by a workplace tragedy. The winners of the Focus on Safety National Youth Video Contest will also be announced.  

Plain Language: Clear, Simple and Safe
Tuesday, May 5 | 11 am EDT

All workers have the right to know how to do their job safely. When they can’t understand safe work procedures or policies, they can’t make informed decisions. This gap puts them at risk of harming themselves or others. We cover the basics of plain language and share practical examples so you can put plain language into action at your workplace. 

Indigenous Inclusion: An Approach for Cultural Safety and Belonging
Wednesday, May 6 | 1:30 pm EDT

Canada is on a journey of Truth and Reconciliation, with workplaces, communities and citizens asking how we can learn from our past and move towards change in ways that respect the diversity of Indigenous peoples and support their social determinants of health and cultural safety. Hear insights and meaningful ways that we can engage and co-create healthier and culturally safe spaces and a sense of belonging. 

Live French audio interpretation is available for all sessions. For more information about these, visit www.ccohs.ca/events/safety-and-health-week.

Get ready to be inspired by our expert speakers on the changing world of work at CCOHS Forum, October 28-29 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.  

Dr. Arif Jetha explores the future of work and health, anticipating what is on the horizon for occupational health and safety. Discussing findings from an international scan, Arif will highlight emerging risks to worker health and safety, prompting workplaces to consider proactive health and safety strategies for the future of work. 

Learn from our other Forum speakers: 

• Musician, actor and best-selling author Alan Doyle will offer essential life lessons on how to be open to opportunities and cultivate a mindset for excellence. 

• Psychological health and safety expert Mary Ann Baynton will discuss what the evolution of psychosocial hazards from values-based conversations to operational risk management means for your workplace. 

• Janet MacEachern, CEO of the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), will explore national injury trends and emerging risks, and how to support evidence-informed prevention discussions. 

Be sure to register by June 26 to save $100 and secure your spot. 

Stay tuned for more speaker announcements coming soon. For the latest updates, visit www.ccohs.ca/forum.

On April 28, we encourage workplaces, communities and individuals to commemorate the National Day of Mourning. Take time to remember those who have lost their lives, were injured, or became ill from their job. Renew your commitment to improving health and safety in your workplace and preventing injuries and loss of life.  

We offer many resources to help your workplace observe the Day of Mourning and promote awareness: 

• Observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. while playing our Day of Mourning video 

• Share social media cards  

• Display posters in your workplace 

• Listen to Day of Mourning podcasts 

To learn more about Day of Mourning and access resources, visit www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning.