Groups release results of research into workplace diseases

Major northern industries such as mining and forestry are critical for the economy, but they can also put workers at risk for disease.

Workplace Safety North and the Occupational Cancer Research Centre have released findings of the top workplace diseases and injuries for key industries in our region.

The Occupational Cancer Research Centre found that blue-collar industries are paying more strict attention to worker health than in decades past, but they’re still not without risk.

“These are important industries for our economy and for supporting northern communities, but they are hazardous industries,” said Paul Demers of the Occupational Cancer Research Centre.

Partnering with Workplace Safety North, they compiled decades of provincial health data and narrowed down the highest-risk workplace injuries and illnesses in three sectors.

The data shows miners are more likely to develop silicosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, among other diseases.

Major northern industries such as mining and forestry are critical for the economy, but they can also put workers at risk for disease. (File)

As well, asthma and oral cancer are among the most prevalent illnesses among forestry workers. In the pulp and paper industry, asbestos exposure is especially prevalent.

All three sectors share common health risks, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, carpal tunnel, reduced blood flow, heart attacks and hearing loss, along with various forms of cancer.

Safety measures have advanced, Demers said, but many risks have yet to be dealt with.

“It’s something that’s going to be a long-term challenge, to make sure that levels of carcinogens in the air are kept low, that people use respiratory protection, when necessary, that people report problems when they see them,” he said.

ELETRIC VEHICLES WILL HELP

Mining sector officials said electrification will eliminate diesel fumes and equipment suppliers are working on new technologies.

“Different types of sensors, that will sense different particles in the air or different gases that may be a cause of some of the illnesses that we’re seeing,” said Marla Tremblay of Mine Connect.

Tremblay said solving these issues are top priority.

 “Not just because there’s a labour crunch … but everybody knows that their workers have families, they want them to be safe,” she said.

Demers said the goal is to both push for solutions and remind workers to protect themselves.

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“To be alert for signs that they may be developing disease because early diagnosis is also important,” he said.

Demers’ agency is helping develop a provincial registry to better track harmful workplace exposures, diagnose illnesses and compensate workers.