Sudbury clinic that helps sick and injured workers celebrates 35 years

A clinic that advocates for workers who were injured on the job or believe an illness is work-related held an open house Friday in Sudbury.

The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers -- known as OHCOW -- has offices across Ontario and is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

“Workers can come to us if they have an injury or illness they believe is work-related,” said Brittney Ramakko, executive director of the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers in Sudbury.

“We will review the WSIB claim file or any medical information and provide them a report, whether it’s work-related or not. We also offer ergonomic assessments and occupational hygiene services.”

The non-profit agency, funded by the Ministry of Labour, helps workers when compensation claims are denied, conducts cluster investigations when multiple workers report illness or injury and it also offers prevention services to help keep workers safe.

“We work with thousands of workers come through our office and we assist them we help them establish WSIB claims,” said Jessica Montgomery, an occupational health co-ordinator with the clinic.

“If their WSIB claims are denied, we look to see if their occupational exposures were their contributing factor with their diagnosis.”

Officials with the clinic said current cluster investigations in northern Ontario include Neelon Castings, Algoma Steel, Kidd Creek and the McIntyre Powder Project.

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