Ontario Helps Protect Workers

July 18, 2008 1:03 PM

McGuinty Government Plans Tougher Hazardous Substances Exposure Limits

Ontario is strengthening protection for workers by implementing updated occupational exposure limits (OELs) for hazardous workplace substances and proposing further changes for 2008.

OELs restrict a worker's exposure to hazardous substances on the job, such as the solvents used in the manufacture of paints and glues.

Ontario revises the OELs on a regular basis. Starting today, the Ministry of Labour is beginning a 60-day consultation for changes to 2008 limits. The consultation period allows stakeholders to comment on proposed new and revised limits for the listed hazardous substances. The submission deadline is September 18, 2008.

The Ministry of Labour is also posting revised limits for substances which were consulted on previously.

QUICK FACTS

Ontario currently has OELs for over 725 hazardous chemical substances.
OELs were first adopted into regulation in Ontario in 1986.
Current limits are based on limits recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).