The province is taking a closer look at occupational diseases.
Being touted as the first-ever review of Ontario’s occupational illness system, the study will evaluate how occupational illnesses are identified, monitored, and prevented.
An occupational illness is defined as a condition that results from exposure to a physical, chemical, or biological agent in the workplace to the extent that the normal physiological mechanisms are affected and the health of the worker is impaired.
News of the study follows a February announcement in which Labour Minister Monte McNaughton formally recognized Parkinson’s Disease as an occupational disease linked to work-related McIntyre Powder exposure, which in turn resulted in faster injury compensation claims for workers and their families.
In partnership with the WSIB, a team of independent experts will focus on roadblocks and complexities identified in a 2020 review of occupational disease, which could, in time, lead to more timely compensation and better recognize work-related illnesses.
“As science advances and our understanding of occupational disease evolves, we need to make sure our systems of support keep up,” says 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 system-wide study, being undertaken by an independent research centre in Toronto with expertise in studying complex community health issues, is expected to be complete by December.