TORONTO — The Ontario government has launched a first-of-its-kind digital registry designed to help workers track exposure to hazardous substances, an initiative officials say will strengthen workplace safety, improve disease prevention and provide long-term health data for employees across the province.
Announced Thursday by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the Occupational Exposure Registry (OER) is a secure online portal that allows workers to record and monitor their exposure to designated workplace hazards, including asbestos, lead, mercury and silica. The tool is intended to create a portable, career-long exposure record while also improving data collection to inform prevention efforts.
“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.”
Workers can submit exposure information anonymously through the portal’s self-tracking feature in minutes, recording details such as how the exposure occurred and what protective measures were used, including ventilation systems, training or personal protective equipment. Each submission generates a confirmation email and downloadable record for personal reference.
The registry is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to enhance workplace safety and responds to recommendations from the province’s 2023 Occupational Disease Landscape Review, which called for better tracking and reporting tools. Occupational illnesses often go underreported or undiagnosed because symptoms may not appear until years after exposure.
“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 initiative builds on legislative changes introduced through Ontario’s Working for Workers Act, 2023, and subsequent labour reforms aimed at strengthening safety standards, including requirements for properly fitting protective equipment and increased health and safety supports.
Industry groups, labour representatives and safety experts broadly welcomed the new registry, saying it could improve prevention and help workers access compensation and care sooner.
“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.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board data show there were 20,886 allowed occupational disease claims in 2025. Between 2010 and 2019, occupational illnesses accounted for about 76 per cent of workplace fatalities in Ontario, highlighting the long-term risks associated with hazardous exposures.
Labour organizations said the registry empowers workers to take a more active role in managing their health.
“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.”
Health experts also emphasized the potential role of the registry in improving early detection and prevention of occupational diseases, including cancer.
“Each year, approximately 10,000 cancer cases in Canada are caused by exposure to cancer causing substances in the workplace,” said Dr. Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research & Advocacy, Canadian Cancer Society. “These are cancers that in many cases can be prevented though action to reduce exposures. Too many workers continue to encounter harmful substances, sometimes as part of their everyday responsibilities, and other times in situations they never expected. An occupational exposure registry is a strong step forward to ensuring workers have the knowledge, tools, and protections they need to stay safe.”
Government officials say the registry will also provide valuable data to guide policy and prevention strategies.
“This landmark initiative sets the stage for raising awareness of occupational illness and the importance of prevention efforts to protect worker health and safety,” said Dr. Joel Moody, Chief Prevention Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister at the labour ministry. “This integral part of identifying potential challenges and opportunities will help us as we continue our plans for prevention efforts.”
Construction and skilled trades leaders said the registry could close longstanding information gaps.
“As mechanical insulators and asbestos abatement specialists, our members understand firsthand the serious risks that can come with occupational exposure,” said David Gardner, Business Manager, Insulators Local 95. “Ontario’s leadership in launching Canada’s first Occupational Exposure Registry marks a major step forward in preventing occupational disease before it starts.”
With nearly 580,000 construction workers in Ontario as of 2025 and continued infrastructure investment planned, the province says the registry is a key step toward protecting workers while supporting a competitive and resilient economy.