Meeting looks at workplace toxins

Toxins in the workplace was the topic of discussion at a Thunder Bay and District Injured Worker’s Support Group meeting Thursday night.

The meeting, which took place at the Labour Centre on Fort William Road, featured a guest speaker from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, who addressed issues regarding chemicals in the workplace

The speaker also addressed some of the WSIB policies over sickness at work.
Injured Workers Support Group Treasurer Steve Mantis, who was injured in a workplace accident more than 30 years ago, says the majority of workplace fatalities come from occupational diseases.
Mantis added that many people are reluctant to report these incidents.

Experts suggest between 10 and 40 per cent of cancers are a result of workplace exposure, people attending the meeting heard. Mantis said employees are most likely to be exposed to harsh chemicals in places like paper mills, mines, on construction sites and in hospitals.