GTA Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is launching Canada’s first Occupational Exposure Registry (OER). This new secure digital portal includes a self-tracker that allows workers to record and track exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.
“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,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Workers can securely and anonymously submit exposure information through the online self-tracker for 11 designated hazardous substances including asbestos, lead, mercury and silica.
Additional details including how the 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.
Occupational illnesses are often underreported or difficult to diagnose due to long latency periods between exposure and the onset of symptoms. With tools to track exposures over the course of individuals careers, the registry can also support medical assessments if symptoms arise years later.
“All workers deserve to know that their health is being protected not just today, but throughout their entire career,” said Marc Arsenault, business manager and secretary-treasurer, provincial building and construction trades council of Ontario. “The Occupational Exposure Registry puts workers first by giving them a secure way to track exposures and take an active role in protecting their long-term health.
“By empowering workers with better information, we’re helping to prevent occupational illnesses and ensuring that workers can build strong careers and return home safely to their families.”
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.
An occupational illness is a condition that results from exposure to a physical, chemical or biological agent in the workplace to the extent that the worker’s health is impaired and between 2010 and 2019 occupational illnesses accounted for approximately 76 per cent of workplace fatalities in Ontario. According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), there were 20,886 allowed occupational disease claims in 2025.
“This is a big step forward. More information and data about what people are exposed to will help improve prevention and could lead to faster access to WSIB services and supports for people with occupational disease claims,” said Jeff Lang, president, WSIB.
