Fire & Safety Journal Americas
Cancer claims and cost exposure in Sault Ste. Marie
A firefighter health report shows Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services is managing between 18 and 25 presumptive cancer claims, with total legacy and ongoing costs estimated at about $5 million to date.
Developed in partnership between the Sault Ste Marie Professional Firefighters Association (SSMPFFA), the City of Sault Ste. Marie, and Rep Health, the report draws on operational and health data to examine cancer risk, workforce readiness, and financial exposure.
The provincial median age of a presumptive cancer claim is 62, reflecting the long-term impact of occupational exposure and operational stress over a career.
The average estimated cost per presumptive cancer claim is about $192,000, including historical costs.
Peter Johnson, Fire Chief at Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services, said: “This is more than just a wellness program; it is a risk management investment in our staff.
“Moving firefighters out of the high-risk category represents a healthier workforce, delivering measurable cost savings for our city and, most importantly, protecting lives in our fire halls.”
Cancer risk scoring, absenteeism and reported reductions
The analysis uses Rep Health’s Overall Risk Score (ORS), a combined indicator tracking workload, recovery, body composition, mood, nutrition, and self-reported symptoms.
ORS trends are used to show how shift patterns and recovery influence long-term health risk, with the aim of identifying elevated cancer risk earlier so interventions can take place before injuries, illnesses, or presumptive cancer claims occur.
Since the program began, participating members have seen a 75% reduction in those classified in the high-risk cancer group, based on ORS trends and related health indicators.
Over a four-year average, the department recorded about 4,492 hours of non-occupational absence per year at an average annual cost of $243,415.
The short-term target is a 10% reduction, equivalent to about 449 hours and an estimated $24,415 in avoided costs, with medium-term targets of 20% to 25%, representing up to 1,123 hours and as much as $60,853 annually.
Aidan Wright, firefighter with SSMPFFA and head of the union’s wellness team, said: “This data gives us a clearer picture of what firefighters are carrying, both physically and mentally.
“Rep Health has changed how our members think about daily readiness.
“By consistently tracking injuries, nutrition, and body composition, the program has brought a level of awareness that is already driving meaningful change.”
Wright added: “In just the initial phase, we’ve gone from 4% to 1%, a 75% reduction in our high-risk cancer group and a meaningful increase in members moving into the low-risk category.
“Those shifts reflect not only the strength of the program but the dedication of our firefighters.
“The data we’ve gathered is eye-opening, revealing the true physical demands and long-term impacts of firefighting, but it is also reassuring to see that with the right tools and focused effort, our members can actively reduce those risks and improve their health.”
The report presents the framework as a model other Canadian fire services can apply to link shift data and readiness scores with cancer risk and cost outcomes.
Callen McGibbon, Founder of Rep Health, said: “This report shows what is possible when unions and municipalities work together using real data.
“By identifying risk earlier and acting on it, cities can protect firefighters, reduce avoidable absences, and meaningfully limit future financial exposure.”