Key Takeaways:
- ACC has disbanded its toxicology panel for firefighter cancer claims, citing retirement and bereavement as the reason.
- The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) is pleased to see the panel go, but wants more information on the new approach.
- The United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) is concerned that the disbanding of the panel will hinder progress in getting coverage for volunteer firefighters.
- Firefighters are exposed to toxic substances that increase their risk of certain types of cancer, and many countries have introduced presumptive legislation to address this issue.
- A working group has been set up to streamline and simplify the claim process for firefighters.
Introduction to the Disbanding of the Toxicology Panel
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has made a significant decision to disband its toxicology panel, which was responsible for assessing cancer claims from firefighters. The panel, which consisted of several specialists, was disbanded due to retirement and bereavement, and ACC will now use individual advisors to assess claims. This decision has been met with mixed reactions from the firefighting community, with the NZPFU expressing relief that the panel is gone, while the UFBA is concerned that it will hinder progress in getting coverage for volunteer firefighters.
Reaction from the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union
The NZPFU has been fighting for years for an approach that recognizes the link between firefighting and certain types of cancer, similar to what is in place in countries like Australia, Canada, and the US. The union’s national secretary, Wattie Watson, expressed relief that the toxicology panel is gone, but is seeking more information on the new approach. Watson stated that the union wants to know how the new system will work and how it will address the underlying issue of recognizing the scientific basis of firefighters’ occupational cancer. The NZPFU has been advocating for a streamlined process that puts the onus on Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) to lead the change.
Concerns from the United Fire Brigades’ Association
The UFBA, which represents volunteer firefighters, is concerned that the disbanding of the toxicology panel will hinder progress in getting coverage for volunteer firefighters. The association’s chair, Peter Dunne, expressed surprise that the decision was made without consultation and stated that the panel was seen as a "lever" for advancing the cause of getting coverage for volunteer firefighters. Dunne noted that the legislation currently excludes volunteer firefighters from coverage in certain circumstances, and the toxicology panel was seen as a way to address this issue. The UFBA is also concerned that the new doctor-centric assessments may not be advantageous for volunteer firefighters.
The Risks of Firefighting and Cancer
Firefighters are exposed to toxic substances that increase their risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and intestinal tract cancer. Many countries have introduced presumptive legislation to address this issue, which recognizes the link between firefighting and certain types of cancer. In New Zealand, firefighters can claim cover under work-related gradual process injury/disease legislation, but the process can be complex and difficult to navigate. The FENZ has acknowledged that firefighters have an increased risk of certain types of cancer due to their exposure to cancer-causing toxins and has been working with the NZPFU to streamline and simplify the claim process.
New Toxic Threats and Challenges
The firefighting community is also facing new challenges, including the risk of lithium battery fires. Whangārei firefighter Maurice Tipene recently responded to a lithium battery fire at the city’s port and noted that the crew had to take precautions to avoid exposure to toxic substances. Tipene stated that the crew had done a case study on lithium battery fires and were aware of the risks, but the experience was still "scary." The incident highlights the need for firefighters to be aware of the risks they face and to take precautions to protect themselves.
The Need for Simplification and Streamlining
The claim process for firefighters can be complex and difficult to navigate, particularly for those who are unwell and stressed. The FENZ has acknowledged this and has set up a working group to streamline and simplify the claim process. The working group, which includes the NZPFU, aims to provide firefighters with access to medical advice and information to help them navigate the claim process. The FENZ has also stated that it is committed to making the process simpler while still meeting the requirements of its Accredited Employer Agreement with ACC.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The disbanding of the toxicology panel is a significant development in the ongoing debate about firefighter cancer claims. While the NZPFU is pleased to see the panel go, the UFBA is concerned that it will hinder progress in getting coverage for volunteer firefighters. The firefighting community is facing new challenges, including the risk of lithium battery fires, and there is a need for simplification and streamlining of the claim process. The working group set up by the FENZ and the NZPFU is a positive step towards addressing these issues, and it is hoped that it will lead to a more streamlined and simplified process for firefighters. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that firefighters receive the recognition and support they need for their occupational cancer claims, and to address the underlying issue of recognizing the scientific basis of firefighters’ occupational cancer.