Morneau Shepell Hired to Conduct Labrador West Medical Audit

A leading provider of integrated health solutions, Morneau Shepell, has been awarded a contract to conduct a medical audit representing a sample of current and former mine workers in Labrador West. The audit is part of the Provincial Government’s efforts to reduce the risk of silicosis, a lung disease which results from exposure to silica dust. The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Service NL, made the announcement today (Monday, February 25) in Labrador West.

“This initiative has been a major priority for me as the Minister of Service NL,” said Minister McGrath. “To date there has been a great deal of work completed so that we can move forward on conducting the medical audit. With the information that is gathered through this process we will be able to enhance awareness and education for everyone working in the mining industry and for medical professionals. The Occupational Health and Safety Branch’s first priority is preventing workers from being exposed to silica dust. This medical audit will provide us with valuable information on those prevention efforts to date.”

Silicosis is a lung disease resulting from exposure to silica dust, and rarely occurs until at least 20 years or more from first exposure. Morneau Shepell’s medical audit will take place over a two-year period with preparation and development work to be done during the first year and the actual review of x-rays, review of findings and final report to be completed during year two. The audit will be conducted by expert radiologists, auditors, academics and other medical professionals.

Participation in the audit will be voluntary and will include the following activity:

• A radiologist’s reading of chest x-rays taken from former and current employees from both mining properties;
• Verification that existing health monitoring programs comply with established standards;
• A review of existing standards and protocols for assisting workers who have abnormal chest x-rays, in an effort to ensure potential hazards are clearly communicated to workers; and,
• Providing information materials to workers and physicians.

The Provincial Government has worked to find ways to reduce the risk of silicosis in workers. A revised Silica Code of Practice is one initiative completed as a result of collaboration with the IOCC, Wabush Mines, and the local United Steelworkers Unions. The code monitors current workers at IOCC and Wabush Mines through a silica-specific medical monitoring program. The revised Silica Code of Practice came into effect in 2006. The medical audit will now assess the current medical monitoring program and make any recommendations necessary in terms of changes or improvements.

“I am confident this audit will yield constructive results for past, present and future employees in our province’s mining sector,” said Minister McGrath. “The information Morneau Shepell collects during the medical audit will certainly enhance awareness and provide opportunities for educating workers and medical professionals responsible for assessing and treating those affected by occupational disease.”

In operation for 25 years, Morneau Shepell provides high quality occupational health services throughout the international mining industry. They employ certified auditors as well as leading academics and professionals who have worked with over 6,000 employers and six million employees.

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca 

2013 02 25                                   2:55 p.m.