Ontario launches Canada’s First Occupational Exposure Registry
Feb. 06, 2026
Global Korean Post
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In 2025, there were close to 580,000 construction workers in Ontario. According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), there were 20,886 allowed occupational disease claims in 2025. Between 2010 and 2019, occupational illnesses accounted for approximately 76 per cent of workplace fatalities in Ontario.
As part of its plan to protect Ontario workers and their long-term health, the Ontario government is launching Canada’s first Occupational Exposure Registry (OER). This new secure digital portal includes an easy-to-use self-tracker that allows workers to record and track exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. The portal builds on the government’s work to strengthen workplace health and safety by taking action to increase awareness and reduce harmful exposures, while giving workers a secure record they can reference throughout their careers.
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.
by Global Korean Post (Ontario’s Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development)
