Firefighters want presumption law to include benefits for infectious diseases

A push for benefits related to infectious diseases could be the next trend in workers compensation presumption legislation.

The International Association of Fire Fighters wants firefighters to receive coverage for infectious diseases, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, said Jim Brinkley, Washington-based director of occupational health and safety for the association.

MRSA “is an emerging disease that we're seeing a higher incidence of within our population, (as well as) hepatitis A, B and C,” Mr. Brinkley said.

While more than 35 states include heart disease in firefighter presumption laws, only about 25 states include infectious diseases, according to the firefighters association.