A comprehensive study of occupational health data reveals that Canadian firefighters face a substantial and evolving burden of disease and injury, with cancer emerging as the primary cause of death and mental health claims seeing a dramatic rise. The research, which analyzed nearly 30,000 workers’ compensation claims between 2007 and 2021, indicates that while traumatic physical injuries remain the most frequent cause of time away from work, the long term health risks associated with the profession are increasingly dominated by non-communicable diseases and psychological distress. This analysis provides a national portrait of the risks inherent in a profession tasked with responding to a growing number of structural and wildland fires across the country.
Firefighting is established as one of the most hazardous occupations in Canada, a country that contains approximately 9 percent of the world’s forests. Frontline responders are regularly exposed to extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and intense physical stress. Beyond the immediate dangers of explosions or structural collapses, the study notes that firefighters are susceptible to chronic conditions that impact their long term well being. These include cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and various forms of cancer linked to the inhalation of toxic smoke and contact with flame retardants found in protective gear.
Table of Contents
Analysis of Mortality and the Impact of Cancer
The data from the 15 year observation period shows that cancer is the leading cause of fatalities among Canadian firefighters. Of the 1,509 accepted fatality claims analyzed, cancer accounted for 84.6 percent of the cases. This results in a fatality rate of 993.7 per 100,000 firefighters per year. The distribution of these fatalities is heavily concentrated among older members of the workforce. Firefighters aged 65 and over represented 54.7 percent of all death claims, totaling 826 fatalities.
The prevalence of cancer mortality underscores the significant impact of toxin exposure over the course of a career. Research cited within the study suggests that firefighters with 15 or more years of service face nearly double the odds of developing cancer compared to those with shorter tenures. Furthermore, low rates of routine health screenings among public service workers may contribute to poorer health outcomes and higher mortality. The findings reflect a shift toward recognizing cancer as a primary occupational hazard, supported by presumptive policies in various Canadian provinces that simplify the adjudication process for such claims.
Trends in Time Loss Injuries and Physical Trauma
While cancer drives mortality, traumatic injuries are the most common reason for time loss claims. The study identified 27,990 accepted injury claims, with traumatic incidents comprising 80.6 percent of the total. The rate for these injuries was calculated at 17,859.1 per 100,000 firefighters per year. Unlike fatalities, which peak in the oldest age groups, time loss injuries follow a bell shaped curve, occurring most frequently among firefighters aged 30 to 49.
The nature of these injuries is often related to the physical demands of the job, such as carrying heavy equipment, navigating unstable surfaces, and adopting stress inducing postures during emergency responses. Strains and sprains, particularly those affecting the back and extremities, are the most frequently reported issues. The research indicates that factors such as overexertion, slips, and falls remain the predominant causes of non-fatal injuries. These physical challenges often lead to chronic pain and inflammation, which can negatively impact overall occupational performance over time.
The Surge in Mental Health Related Claims
One of the most striking findings of the report is the significant escalation in mental health related claims. Between 2007 and 2021, time loss claims involving mental disorders among Canadian firefighters increased by 231.2 percent. In the early years of the study, these claims were relatively rare, with only 26 cases reported nationally in 2007. However, a sharp upward trend began around 2011 and accelerated significantly after 2016, reaching 411 claims in 2021 alone.
This rise in psychological injury claims is attributed to the continuous exposure to trauma, chronic stress, and disrupted sleep patterns inherent in emergency service work. Firefighters are at a higher risk for post traumatic stress injury, depression, and suicidal ideation compared to the general population. The study suggests that the increase in reported cases may also be influenced by recent Canadian presumptive policies, which have reduced the burden of proof for workers and encouraged the reporting of mental health conditions. Ontario reported a particularly sharp rise in these claims compared to other provinces.
Geographic and Demographic Distribution
The burden of injury and illness is not distributed equally across Canada. Ontario reported the highest volume of claims, accounting for 47.3 percent of fatalities and 30.7 percent of time loss injuries. This was followed by Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta. The study noted that males represent the vast majority of the firefighting workforce in the claims data, accounting for 99.4 percent of fatalities and 92.2 percent of injury claims.
The researchers utilized data from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada and WorkSafeBC to compile the 15 year dataset. Because the database is claim based and lacks unique personal identifiers, the figures represent injury events rather than unique individuals, meaning one firefighter could potentially account for multiple claims over the study period.
Cardiovascular Risks and Occupational Demands
In addition to cancer and mental health, cardiovascular disease remains a critical concern for the firefighting population. The study highlights that firefighters face high mortality rates from sudden cardiac arrests, particularly during on duty emergency responses. Extreme heat, overexertion, and the stress of shift work are cited as major contributors to this risk. Many firefighters work 24 hour shifts and exceed 50 hours of work per week, which the World Health Organization identifies as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The risk is further pronounced in firefighters over the age of 45, as age is a significant factor in the development of cardiovascular issues within the profession.
Conclusion of Findings
The 15 year analysis clarifies that the health challenges facing Canadian firefighters extend far beyond the immediate risks of fire suppression. The high incidence of cancer fatalities and the rapid increase in mental health claims represent a shifting landscape of occupational risk. While physical trauma remains a constant factor for those in their mid-career, the long term effects of toxic exposure and psychological stress define the mortality and morbidity of the workforce. The researchers conclude that these findings emphasize a need for comprehensive strategies to address both the physical and psychological safety of firefighters to improve their long term health outcomes.
Source
Al-Hajj, S., Thomas, L., Garis, L., El-Asmar, K., El-Hajj, F., & Pike, I. (2025). Occupational injury among firefighters in Canada: a trends analysis of fatality and time-loss injury claims (2007–2021). Injury Epidemiology, 12(85). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40621-025-00639-0
