OCRC Report: Response to the 2018 proposed changes to occupational exposure limits

The Ontario Ministry of Labour proposed a number of changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act in 2018. These changes include updates to the occupational exposure limits (OELs) in Regulation 833 for a number of hazardous substances including formaldehyde, toluene diisocyanate, and cobalt containing tungsten chloride. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour proposed adding a new OEL for diesel engine exhaust into Regulation 833. Currently, diesel engine exhaust is only regulated in the mining industry in Ontario (Regulation 854), and there is no OEL that applies to other workplaces.

OCRC has responded to the Ministry’s consultation, and supports many of the proposed changes while making further recommendations to protect the health of workers.