CT House Approves Workers' Comp Bill for Firefighters
According to a report in the CT Law Tribune, the state House of Representatives recently approved a bill that would provide lost wage compensation to firefighters diagnosed with certain types of cancers. The bill, which still has to go through the Senate for approval, would remove the financial burden initially placed on towns and cities.
Instead, the lost wages will be funded with fees from phone services for enhancements to the 911 program.
According to reports, firefighters have been pushing for workers’ compensation coverage for wages lost from certain types of cancer, which they say are directly related to their services. This bill would provide them with financial stability, so they don’t lose their homes while fighting the disease.
Under this bill, firefighters would get wage replacement for up to two years if diagnosed with cancer of the brain, skin, skeletal, digestive, endocrine, lymphatic, reproductive, urinary or hematological system that results in temporary or permanent disability or death.
In turn, the firefighters need to comply with various standards, such as passing a physical showing no cancer prior to service, working in the occupation for at least five years, not using tobacco products for the past 15 years and complying with all on-the-job safety requirements. At the same time, departments will keep records of who entered buildings to fight a fire involving hazardous materials.
“I am proud to support this bill today that makes sure our brave men and women who put their lives on the line, day in and day out, receive the necessary health care benefits they truly deserve,” said Rep. Samuel Belsito, R-Tolland, to the press. “Firefighters are exposed to serious toxins throughout their career and we have an obligation to make sure they stay healthy.”
In conjunction with this bill, another was proposed to allow firefighters to collect workers’ compensation related to mental health injuries.
For all businesses with employees, workers’ compensation is a required form of insurance. To learn more about this and other business policies, give Ion Insurance a call today at 203.439.2815 .
