New Waterford Report Released

An investigation by Environment and Labour into health effects reported by workers at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital was unable to confirm a link between the reported illnesses and any source of metal exposure at the hospital.

The results were shared late Monday, March 29, during a meeting with representatives of the hospital's joint occupational health and safety committee and the employer, the Cape Breton District Health Authority.

"Despite our findings, we continue to have concern for the individuals who are reporting symptoms, and my interest is for their well-being," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash. "I encourage the Cape Breton District Health Authority to continue to be diligent in finding the source of what is affecting the health of hospital staff and in resolving it."

The department launched a workplace investigation in December 2003 after receiving a health and safety complaint about the hospital from three of its workers.

The results of the investigation found no evidence of the employer being in noncompliance with the province's Occupational Health and Safety laws. There was no current condition or practice found to cause exposure to heavy metals.

A workplace investigation looks at the people, environment, equipment and materials to review factors that may be contributing to an incident. The investigation also considers the process in the workplace for responding to workplace health and safety issues.