Throughout this guide, you’ll see references to “occupational” and “non-occupational” injuries and health problems. Understanding the difference between these two types of health issues is important. Your benefits, how you manage your claim, your responsibilities, and your options depend on whether the injury or health problem occurred during a job-related activity or while you were off duty.

• Occupational injuries and illnesses (also referred to as “on-duty” injuries and illnesses) are those that occur while participating in activities directly related to the occupation of firefighting and related apparatus travel. These activities include, but are not limited to, emergency activities, training activities, organized physical fitness programs, inspection activities, apparatus, station, and ground maintenance, and business activities necessary to maintain Fire Department operations. Illnesses in this category include those contracted while performing Fire Department duties due to contact with smoke, poisons, toxic agents, dust, and infections such as hepatitis.
  
• Non-occupational injuries and illnesses (also referred to as “off-duty” injuries and illnesses) are injuries and illnesses that do not meet the definition of “occupational” and are sustained while off duty. Illnesses in this category include the flu, common colds, bronchitis, strep throat, and others of questionable origin, even though symptoms might not appear until while on duty.