Registry of Health Information for Baie Verte Mine Workers Completed

A registry of information about former employees and contractual workers of the Baie Verte asbestos mine, the first of its kind in Canada, has been completed. The information is secured in a confidential electronic database which includes the work history and health history of former mine workers.

“This registry is possible due to the significant amount of work by a number of individuals and groups,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Service NL and Minister Responsible for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (the Commission). “The Commission collaborated with the United SteelWorkers and the Baie Verte Peninsula Miners’ Action Committee to establish this registry with the main goal of assisting formers workers who may have developed asbestos-related diseases. I applaud their efforts as the registry will make a difference to so many people in this region.”

Work on the registry began in 2008 and included identifying former mine employees, their general state of health and how many may have contracted an asbestos-related disease. About 1,000 individuals have consented to be part of the registry.

“This project has resulted in a valuable tool to assist in the adjudication of asbestos-related claims arising from Baie Verte Mines,” said Leslie Galway, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission. “The registry will ultimately remove the burden of information gathering for any workers who may become ill. It will be of tremendous value for many years to come.”

Kevin Pollard, MHA for Baie Verte-Springdale, is also pleased that the registry has been completed.

“I commend the proactive, collaborative approach taken by all parties to create the Baie Verte Miners’ Registry, a first in Canada,” said Mr. Pollard. “The adjudication of occupational disease claims for former mine employees will be enhanced in this ground-breaking initiative.”

All registrants will be advised on how they can access their registry information and how their health care providers may also access this information. A final report on the registry completed by SafetyNet is expected to be finalized and released in the near future.

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2013 04 10                             11:30 a.m.