DOL Expands Protections for Female Federal Firefighters
The U.S. Department of Labor has expanded workers’ compensation protections for female federal firefighters by adding cancers linked to toxic exposures to the list of presumptive conditions under FECA.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jan 08, 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) has expanded protections for female federal firefighters by adding breast, uterine, ovarian and basal cell carcinoma to the list of presumptive conditions covered under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). The change addresses gender-specific health risks linked to firefighting, particularly among Wildland Firefighters.
According to a post on the DOL blog, this policy update follows a review led by Dr. Steven Moffatt, a medical expert on firefighter health, who concluded that toxic exposures in firefighting increase the risk of these cancers. While basal cell carcinoma was added for all firefighters, the inclusion of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers marks a significant step toward equitable protections for female firefighters.
The expansion builds on earlier reforms, including the 2022 establishment of a special claims handling unit for high-risk employment conditions and the 2023 enactment of the Fairness for Federal Firefighters (FAA) provision. While the FAA provision recognized specific cancers as occupational risks, it initially excluded cancers disproportionately affecting women.
“This policy change acknowledges the unique occupational hazards faced by women firefighters and ensures they receive the care and support they deserve,” Christopher J. Godfrey, OWCP’s outgoing director, said in the post.
Beyond its national implications, OWCP is sharing these advancements with international organizations, including the International Labor Organization, to promote global standards for firefighter health and safety.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.