ONTARIO NEWS RELEASE: Ontario Launches Canada’s First Occupational Exposure Registry to Protect Workers

“Ontario’s future depends on our workforce, and this tool represents an important step in protecting workers’ health on the job,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This first-in-Canada Occupational Exposure Registry will give workers the ability to securely track and better understand their exposure risks, helping inform prevention efforts and stop occupational disease before it starts.”

Starting today, workers can securely and anonymously submit exposure information through the online self-tracker in just a few minutes for one of 11 designated hazardous substances, such as asbestos, lead, mercury and silica. Workers can record details such as how their exposure occurred and what protective measures were in place, such as ventilation, training or personal protective equipment. Each submission generates a confirmation email and a record that can be downloaded. Having better information about harmful workplace exposures will help increase awareness and empower workers to better understand hazards and take steps to protect themselves.

Occupational illnesses are often underreported or difficult to diagnose due to long latency periods between exposure and the onset of symptoms. By giving workers the tools to track their own exposures over the course of their careers, the registry can also support medical assessments if symptoms arise years later.

“Our government is taking bold and innovative action to make it easier for Ontarians to stay safe and healthy in the workplace and beyond,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The launch of Canada’s first Occupational Exposure Registry is one more way we are protecting Ontario workers and communities for years to come.”

The Occupational Exposure Registry was first committed to in the Working for Workers Act, 2023, and builds on Ontario’s broader work to protect workers by strengthening workplace health and safety. It also responds directly to recommendations from Ontario’s 2023 Occupational Disease Landscape Review by improving data collection, tracking exposure trends over time and providing an accessible digital tool to support workers, healthcare providers and disease prevention partners.