HAMILTON, ON (March 10, 2005) -- Each year occupational diseases cause hundreds of deaths in Canada, and pain and disabling illnesses for many thousands more. On March 3-4, 2005, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) hosted a national event in Toronto to focus attention on this under-recognized workplace issue that has such an important human and economic impact on Canadians. CCOHS consolidated the key recommendations which emerged through the efforts of the Forum 2005 participants, and, by launching a web-based survey http://forum05.ccohs.ca/survey/ provides all Canadians an opportunity to cast their votes on what they believe are important workplace illness and disease elimination strategies. The survey poll closes April 29, 2005. S. Len Hong, CCOHS President and CEO indicates that "Your input helps facilitate ongoing discussions, an open dialogue that will eventually lead to the eradication of work-related illness in Canada." Over the following weeks, web survey results will be updated daily with statistical counts and graphical charts. Survey participants can also register their email address so they will be prompted when the final survey results are posted on the website. With "New Strategies for Recognizing and Preventing Occupational Diseases" as its theme, this was a first of its kind pan-Canadian event. Forum 2005 brought together 350 participants, a unique cache of government, employer and labour representatives, which also provided an opportunity for researchers, health and safety practitioners, healthcare personnel, and others to exchange ideas, discuss how to improve recognition of occupational diseases, and recommend strategies to prevent disease and control exposures to hazardous agents. Visit http://forum05.ccohs.ca for more information. - 30 - For further information contact: Eleanor Irwin Manager - Marketing, Sales and Communications CCOHS 905.572.2981 X4408 eleanori@ccohs.ca About CCOHS The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), formed in 1978, is a Canadian federal government agency based in Hamilton, Ontario. CCOHS provides Canadians with unbiased, relevant information and advice that supports responsible decision-making and promotes safe and healthy working environments. CCOHS makes a wide range of occupational health and safety information readily available, in language that is appropriate for all users, from the general public to the health and safety professional. Internationally, the Centre is renowned as an innovative, authoritative occupational health and safety resource. CCOHS partners and collaborates with agencies and organizations from Canada and around the world to improve the quality and quantity of resources and programs, as well as expand the breadth of usage of occupational health information to many different segments of society.
