- Cancer (prostate)
- Presumptions (firefighter)
The worker appealed a June 26, 2024, decision denying benefits for prostate cancer, with the hearing held via videoconference in April 2026. The employer did not participate.
The worker had diverse employment from 1971 to 2022, including sawmill work, automotive maintenance, construction, metal processing, and volunteer firefighting. Prostate cancer was diagnosed on May 5, 2017. The worker did not meet the 15-year minimum service required for the firefighter cancer presumption but was diagnosed with prostate cancer, a prescribed cancer, after 1960. The claim was therefore assessed on its individual merits. The worker had exposures to mercury, welding fumes, solvents, asbestos, and a minimal smoking history ending in 1991, with no family history of prostate cancer. These factors were considered in context. The Panel preferred the opinion of Dr. Bourgault over Dr. Razavi, finding the worker's occupational exposures - including firefighting, chemical, and diesel exhaust exposures - significantly contributed to prostate cancer development. The appeal was allowed, granting the worker entitlement to benefits for prostate cancer. The nature and duration of benefits were referred back to WSIB for further adjudication.