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800-ARL-01-IMKI © 2019, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | wsps.ca
A recent study quantifying the number of cancers resulting from workplace chemical exposure in
Ontario is a wake-up call for employers across all industries. "We now have a picture of how big
the problem of workplace cancer is in Ontario and it's clear there's work to be done," says WSPS
Occupational Hygiene Consultant Craig Fairclough.
The study, Burden of Occupational Cancer in Ontario*, estimates occupational exposures and the
associated cancer burden (cases that could be prevented) for 20 known or suspected carcinogens
by industry. This helps employers and employees learn what they could be exposed to at work.
The report urges immediate action on four key carcinogens – asbestos, diesel engine exhaust,
silica, and solar ultraviolet radiation – because they present the best opportunity for making a
large health impact.
Recommendations in the report include a number of insights, including making exposure limits
tougher and reducing the use of toxic substances.
These four carcinogens had the largest number of workers exposed and the highest cancer burden
each year:
Asbestos was banned in Ontario in 2018, but is still present in building materials, insulation,
and brake linings
– workers exposed: 55,000
– industries affected: construction (maintenance of homes, schools and other public
buildings), manufacturing, brake repair
Diesel engine exhaust
– workers exposed: 301,000
– workers affected: truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, maintenance and repair staff,
miners and warehouse staff
Solar radiation
– workers exposed: 450,000
– industries affected: construction, agriculture (farmers, landscapers, ground
maintenance), transportation and warehousing
How to Protect Workers from Occupational Cancers
WSPS.CA
