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Index July 19, 2008
Registry for asbestos miners not enough: provincial NDP"NDP leader Lorraine Michael said in a news release that while she's happy to see the registry announcement, government still has to go further to ensure proper compensation for, and identification of, health issues related to the work. . . . As well, changes have to be made to a compensation policy which eliminates compensation for cancers other than lung or mesothelioma, so that those cancers can be covered."ST. JOHN'SWork begins this month on a registry of former Baie Verte asbestos miners, but the province's NDP leader says more has to be done to address the issue of possible illnesses related to the time people spent in the mines. The new registry is a joint effort by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC), the Baie Verte Peninsula Miners' Action Committee and United Steel Workers. It will identify former mine employees of the now defunct Baie Verte mine who may have developed asbestos-related diseases and determine their state of health. Former employees of the mine will be asked for their consent to participate in the registry, which will include providing their 1.5840 1.5945employment history, asbestos exposure information and health status. Memorial University's research unit SafetyNet will complete the registry. NDP leader Lorraine Michael said in a news release that while she's happy to see the registry announcement, government still has to go further to ensure proper compensation for, and identification of, health issues related to the work. "The minister of Health and Community Services has a responsibility to the Baie Verte area to have a comprehensive health study. We need to know if there are family members who have also been affected, so we need a full health study," Michael said. Micheal also said she's disappointed the registry does not include immediate family of miners, as there have been cases where family members have contracted asbestos-related cancers. As well, changes have to be made to a compensation policy which eliminates compensation for cancers other than lung or mesothelioma, so that those cancers can be covered. The Baie Verte Asbestos Mine started operation in 1955 and closed in 1992. About 3,000 people were employed there. However, officials with the organizations working on the industry said it's a step forward in dealing with the issue of possible work related illnesses. "The commission recognized the link between emerging asbestos-related illnesses in workers of the Baie Verte Asbestos Mine and the need to find a better way to work with the injured workers, labour and the community," said Ralph Tucker, chairman of the WHSCC board of directors." This new collaborative approach between the commission, the (United Steel Workers) and the Baie Verte Miners' Action Committee is a positive step in the right direction in addressing the emerging issue of occupational disease for the workers of our province." To contact the Baie Verte Miners' Registry call: 1-888-737-7250 or visit: www.baieverteminersregistry.ca. The Telegram http://www.thewesternstar.com/index.cfm?sid=154381&sc=506 Back to Article Index |