Led by the Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC), the Occupational Disease Surveillance Program (ODSP) aims to develop systems to monitor patterns and trends in occupational disease in Ontario. The OCRC is an applied research centre focused on the study and prevention of cancers and other diseases caused by work. Its research program includes surveillance-focused projects to identify the industries, occupations, and workers where the risks of occupational diseases are the highest. The Centre receives core funding from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. For more information, visit the OCRC website.
The ODSP initiative will contribute to improved surveillance of occupational exposure and disease. It will increase the capacity to identify high-risk populations, and provide the evidence needed to implement effective prevention strategies in Ontario. The Program is jointly funded by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) and the Ministry of Health (MOH). The ODSS project is jointly funded by the MLTSD and the MOH, with additional funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. The Toxics Reduction Act pilot project was funded by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario). WorkSafe BC provided funding for the Mesothelioma Surveillance project.
