Toronto, ON — Ontario workers now have access to a new digital portal to track workplace exposure to hazardous substances.
The Occupational Exposure Registry (OER) allows workers to anonymously submit exposure information on any of the 11 designated hazardous substances. These substances include asbestos, lead, mercury, and silica.
Submissions will be made through the online self-tracker, where workers can record details such as how their exposure occurred and what protective measures were in place.
“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.”
According to the Ontario government, between 2010 and 2019, occupational illnesses accounted for approximately 76 per cent of workplace fatalities in Ontario. As stated in the press release, “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.”
The press release adds that, “Occupational illnesses are often underreported or difficult to diagnose due to long latency periods between exposure and the onset of symptoms.”
Additionally, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) reported 20,886 allowed occupational disease claims in 2025.