Online self‑tracker allows workers to record and monitor exposure to 11 designated hazardous substances, including asbestos, lead, mercury and silica
Ontario has officially launched Canada’s first Occupational Exposure Registry (OER), a secure digital portal designed to help workers track exposure to hazardous substances and reduce the risk of occupational disease over the course of their careers.
The online self‑tracker allows workers to record and monitor exposure to 11 designated hazardous substances, including asbestos, lead, mercury and silica. The Ontario government says the tool is intended to “protect workers’ health on the job” by providing individuals with a secure exposure record they can reference throughout their working lives.
“Ontario’s future depends on our workforce, and this tool represents an important step in protecting workers’ health on the job,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, adding the registry will give workers the ability to securely track "and better understand their exposure risks, helping inform prevention efforts and stop occupational disease before it starts.”
The provincial government first announced its plan to release the said registry back in 2023.
How Ontario registry works
Through the online tool, workers can securely and anonymously submit exposure information in just a few minutes, detailing how the exposure occurred and what protective measures were in place, such as ventilation systems, training or personal protective equipment. Each submission generates a confirmation email and a downloadable record.
The Ontario government says improved exposure information will “help increase awareness and empower workers to better understand hazards and take steps to protect themselves.” For HR professionals, the initiative introduces a parallel, worker‑owned record of exposure that may complement employer incident reports and safety documentation.
The registry is aimed at long‑term health risks that can be difficult to identify and prove. Occupational illnesses are often under‑reported or hard to diagnose because of long latency periods between exposure and the onset of symptoms. By allowing workers to track exposures over their careers, the OER is expected to support medical assessments and potential claims if symptoms emerge years later.
“Our government is taking bold and innovative action to make it easier for Ontarians to stay safe and healthy in the workplace and beyond,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The launch of Canada’s first Occupational Exposure Registry is one more way we are protecting Ontario workers and communities for years to come.”
Between 2010 and 2019, occupational illnesses accounted for approximately 76% of workplace fatalities in Ontario, according to the province. The Ontario government also cites Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) data showing 20,886 allowed occupational disease claims in 2025.
Broader ‘Working for Workers’ agenda
The OER was first committed to in the Working for Workers Act, 2023, and is part of what the Ontario government describes as a wider effort to strengthen workplace health and safety.
The registry responds to recommendations from Ontario’s 2023 Occupational Disease Landscape Review by improving data collection, tracking exposure trends over time and providing “an accessible digital tool to support workers, healthcare providers and disease prevention partners.”
The launch comes alongside other measures under seven Working for Workers legislative packages, including requirements for properly fitting personal protective equipment for women and workers with diverse body types, mandatory automated external defibrillators on larger construction projects and naloxone availability in workplaces where there is a risk of opioid overdose.
Support for occupational exposure registry
The initiative has drawn support from several stakeholders.
From a compensation perspective, WSIB President Jeff Lang said: “More information and data about what people are exposed to will help improve prevention and could lead to faster access to WSIB services and supports for people with occupational disease claims.”
"Occupational exposure remains one of the most serious and persistent health risks firefighters face,” said Greg Horton, President, Ontario Professional Firefighters Association. “The launch of Ontario’s Occupational Exposure Registry is a meaningful step forward — acknowledging those risks, supporting earlier detection of occupational illness, and strengthening long-term health protections. It demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting firefighters and workers across the province."
David Gardner, Business Manager, Insulators Local 95, added: “By giving workers the ability to track exposures throughout their careers, this registry will help bridge critical gaps in reporting and early detection. We commend the province for establishing this registry and strongly believe it will strengthen accountability, improve long-term health, and build a safer, more resilient workforce across the country.”
Late in 2025, Ontario also announced it is investing $32 million to expand access to specialised mental health services for first responders and public safety personnel.
