The FOA trade union is planning to open old cases related to firefighters and cancer, following the publication of new research that links at least two cancers to firefighting, with further limited evidence in relation to five other cancers. The union argues that there is now sufficient evidence that mesothelioma (linked to asbestos) and bladder cancer may have been triggered by working as a firefighter and should be added to the occupational disease list. FOA has been at the forefront of developing procedures to prevent firefighters from being exposed to the harmful substances that develop from fire smoke and will continue to do this work and press the employer to co-operate. The research will now be assessed by the Occupational Diseases Committee, which will also draw up criteria for the recognition of compensation.
Union acts on new research links cancers to firefighting
More like this
Research on firefighting and cancer link to go ahead
The FOA public services union has welcomed the decision by the employment minister to commission research into the possible links between firefighting and cancer. The union has been calling for this for some time noting that the link has been formally acknowledged in other countries. FOA also wants to ensure that the research investigates firefighting going back 20 years or more as as health and safety has been improved whereas the original cause of cancer could date back to earlier days when techniques were not so advanced. [Read more at > FOA (DK)->http://www.foa.dk/Forbund/Presse?newsid
Support and advice on cancer link to night work
The FNV trade union is highlighting the evidence indicating a link between night and shift work and cancer. The union says that disruption to the bodies bio-rhythms can affect hormones and it is particularly concerned about the potential impact on 80000 care workers who are on shift work, with the vast majority women. The union has organised a meeting with cancer experts at the Amsterdam Medical Centre in February as a contribution to making health workers more aware of the risks. [Read more at > FNV (NL)->https://www.fnv.nl/sector-en-cao/alle-sectoren/zorg-en-welzijn/nieuws/1150680
Research publications reveal extent of workplace cancer risks
The ETUI research organisation has published a new report and issue of its health and safety magazine, HesaMag, that both cover the risks of workplace cancers. As many as 100000 deaths a year are linked to workplace carcinogens but it is not just hazardous substances that are of concern. The ETUI publications also cover other risks such as night work which has been linked to higher risk of breast cancer with some specific cases affecting hospital staff. HesaMag also looks at the problems of getting proper recognition of the risks faced by workers in sectors like cleaning, maintenance and waste