Monday, June 01, 2015
Ministry of Labour
Ontario Helping to Reduce Workplace Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities
Ontario is providing $2.7 million to support research projects that will help reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
Each year the province funds Ontario universities, health care organizations and research institutes to study topics relating to occupational health and safety. This year the province is supporting 13 research projects related to vulnerable workers, high-hazard activities and occupational disease through the Research Opportunities Program, including projects about:
- Whether exposure to workplace diesel and gasoline engine exhausts increase the risk of developing kidney cancer in men
- The relationship between employment in the Ontario mining industry and the prevalence of lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases
- The frequency of injury among community-based Personal Support Workers
The successful research projects strongly align with the province's ongoing prevention priorities and build on the work being completed through the Mining Health, Safety and Prevention Review, the Construction Health and Safety Action Plan and Ontario's Integrated Occupational Health and Safety Strategy.
Improving occupational health and safety is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- Funding applications went through a five-step review process, including an evaluation by an external body of researchers.
- Since 2003, workplace injuries in Ontario have decreased by 40 per cent.
Background Information:
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"Reducing workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities is our top priority, and we’ve made great strides by reducing workplace injuries by 40% since 2003, but there’s always more that can be done. These projects will provide evidence that will help us focus our planning and spread best practices so we can continue to reduce injuries and save lives in workplaces across Ontario."
— Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour
Media Contacts:
William Lin
Communications Branch
416-326-7405
Craig MacBride
Minister’s Office
416-326-7709
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