5
800-ARL-01-IMKI © 2019, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | wsps.ca
Crystalline silica
– workers exposed: 142,000
– workers affected: construction workers, heavy equipment operators, manufacturing and
miners. Exposure to fine silica dust can occur during grinding, cutting, drilling or chipping.
Risks associated with shiftwork
Shiftwork has been linked to breast cancer. The connection: disruption to the body's circadian
rhythm. In Ontario, shiftwork may be responsible for 180 to 460 new cases of breast cancer each
year, says the report.
"One effective measure to help prevent the adverse effects of shiftwork is to schedule rotating
shift work schedules that move forward from morning-evening-night shift," says Craig. "For
example: one week on mornings, then the next week on afternoons, so that the body has a better
time adjusting. Proper breaks, sleep and good nutrition also help."
What Craig suggests
Here are five possible next steps:
1. Use the report to build knowledge around these carcinogens and adapt suggested exposure
reduction strategies to your workplace.
2. Look into whether employees are or may be exposed to hazardous substances used or stored
in your workplace. How many employees may be at risk and in what circumstances?
3. Assess the levels employees are or could be exposed to.
4. Compare the assessment results against regulated workplace exposure limits.
5. If your workplace exceeds limits, take steps to eliminate exposure or bring it below the legal
limit (e.g., ventilation, barriers, and enclosures).
* Burden of Occupational Cancer in Ontario was jointly produced by the Occupational Cancer Research Centre
and Cancer Care Ontario
WSPS.CA
