Everyone has the right to return home healthy at the end of each day. In the same way that we need protection from hazards such as falls, we need protection from work-related illnesses such as lung cancer. These illnesses can range from acute to fatal. In some cases, symptoms can be reduced or reversed. But too often they become something people have to live with for the rest of their lives. The most important thing to know is that they are all preventable.
This section provides the information you need to prevent occupational illness at your workplace. It's divided into four sections to help you find the information that applies to your work.
Legislation and Guidelines
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Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
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Regulations under the OHSA:
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Asbestos on Construction Projects (O. Reg. 278/05)
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Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents (O. Reg. 833)
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Designated Substances (O. Reg. 490/09)
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Noise (O. Reg. 381/15)
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WHMIS (O. Reg. 860)
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Guidelines:
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OHSA
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Asbestos
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Lead
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Silica
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Noise
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WHMIS
Chemical Hazards
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Asbestos
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Carbon Monoxide
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Designated Substances
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Diesel Exhaust
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Lead
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PPE
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Silica
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Skin Hazards
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Welding
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WHMIS
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Other Hazards
IHSA Safety Podcast: Occupational Health
Everyone has the right to return home healthy at the end of each day. In the same way that we need protection from hazards such as falls, we need protection from work-related illnesses such as lung cancer. Find out more by visiting the podcast link below.
Hygiene Consulting Services
Depending on your needs, you may want IHSA's occupational hygienist to assess the hazards in your workplace and work with you to develop a disease prevention plan. Contact Jasmine Kalsi for details: jkalsi@ihsa.ca
Occupational Health Risk Profiles by Trade
IHSA has developed Occupational Health Risk Profiles for many trades. These profiles outline the common health risks workers in each trade face, the symptoms they may experience, and medical diagnostic information their doctors need to know. Find your trade and take the profile to your physician or health care provider on your next visit.
Occupational Health Risk Profiles by Trade.
Occupational Health Hazards by Industry
A list of the major occupational health hazards most common in the industries served by IHSA.
Occupational Health Hazards by Industry.
Occupational Disease Data
IHSA collects occupational disease data for the industries it serves. Between the ten-year period of 2008–2017, a total of 515 workers in IHSA member firms died from occupational diseases. Most of these fatalities (82%) were in construction rate groups and were caused by diseases associated with exposure to asbestos—mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Find out more.
External Links
Last Updated: October 10, 2022
Occupational Health