A national registry has been announced to help identify former mine workers of the defunct Baie Verte Asbestos Mine, in Newfoundland, Canada, who may have developed asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos was commercially mined in Baie Verte from 1963 to 1992, employing about 3,000 workers. The announcement of the registry, which is considered a major breakthrough for workers' health, was made today in Baie Verte by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC) of Newfoundland and Labrador, together with the USW and the Baie Verte Peninsula Miners' Action Committee.

"This is a breakthrough agreement for the USW and workers everywhere and, with the critical information obtained through the registry, it will be a turning point for fair compensation for victims of occupational disease," said USW Ontario/Atlantic Health, Safety and Environment Coordinator Nancy Hutchison. "We hope this announcement will set the pattern for other compensation boards and governments across Canada as we continue to strive for justice for workers and their survivors."

Memorial University has been selected to carry out the work to complete the information for the registry, which will include employment history, asbestos exposure information and health status. Also, the USW will actively work with its members across Canada, the WHSCC, and with the Baie Verte community to help locate all former mine employees, regardless of their health status, and encourage them to register. “The registry is an important first step and USW will be there to support the next stages to turn this announcement into positive action,” said USW Staff Representative Boyd Bussey.

To contact the Baie Verte Miners' Registry, call 1-888-737-7250.

Full Article Here