Province, WSIB launch occupational illness system review
The Ontario government is about to launch the first-ever review of the province’s occupational illness system with a view to assessing how occupational illnesses in Ontario are identified, monitored and prevented.
The system-wide study will be conducted by the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto alongside the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). The MAP Centre is an independent research centre with expertise in studying complex community health issues.
Its final report is expected in December, with a focus on finding and fixing roadblocks and complexities that were identified by Dr. Paul Demers in the 2020 independent review of occupational disease.
The findings could lead to more timely compensation for, and better recognition of, work-related illnesses. The research team will consult with health and safety system partners including labour groups and workers’ rights advocates, employers, health care professionals and the health and safety community.
“Our government has a workers-first plan to build stronger families, stronger communities and a future where no one is left behind,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. "Ontario has one of the strongest health and safety records in the country, but we need to make sure our system works for everyone. I have tasked this team of independent experts to find a clear path forward that improves supports for injured workers and their families. Change is coming to the system, and we are going to get it done."
In February, the province formally recognized Parkinson’s Disease as an occupational disease linked to work-related McIntyre Powder exposure leading to faster injury compensation claims for workers and their families.
“As science advances and our understanding of occupational disease evolves, we need to make sure our systems of support keep up,” said Jeffery Lang, President and CEO of the WSIB. “It is crystal clear we need everyone involved in the occupational disease system to work together to prevent illnesses in the first place, and properly identify them when they do happen.”
The move builds on a recent decision by the province to support research led by the Occupational Cancer Research Centre to identify the causes of workplace cancers, prevent them from occurring, and better support workers already impacted by occupational illness.