Update on General Electric (GE) Peterborough claims

The Peterborough community let us know that they wanted us to re-examine these claims. With evolving scientific evidence about the link between different chemicals and certain cancers, and updated information about exposures to chemicals at that plant, it was the right time to re-examine more than 250 GE Peterborough claims that had previously not been allowed. We want to make sure our decisions reflect the best available scientific evidence and current knowledge of historical exposures.

We looked at  claims where new information or evidence was available that was not available at the time of the original decision, including:

• Evolution in scientific understanding published in authoritative sources that now support a previously unrecognized disease causal association.
• New agent(s) of interest identified in a person’s employment history.
• New information received about the level/likelihood of exposure to a previously considered agent.

A dedicated review team made up of occupational disease adjudicators and occupational hygienists, with support from occupational medicine physician experts re-examined denied GE claims. We looked at each claim individually to determine if updated scientific research and/or new information about workplace exposures would change the original decision. Adjudicators are responsible for getting the information needed to confirm a person’s employment and exposure history, and for gathering all the medical reporting and other evidence that we need to make a decision on a claim. Occupational hygienists are professionals with expertise in identifying and characterizing hazardous workplace exposures. They help by providing retrospective exposure assessments. This means they consider all workplaces a person has worked at to assess the likelihood and extent of their exposure to hazardous agents. Occupational medicine physician experts look at medical and scientific studies to determine how occupational and non-occupational factors impact a person’s illness.

We have been in contact with everyone whose claim was reviewed. You should have received a reconsideration decision letter.

If you are not sure whether you have a claim with us for a work-related illness, or to file a new claim, please call us at 1-800-387-0750.

We will call you or your representative to let you know the decision on a claim and follow with an explanation in writing.

 Yes. For more information please call us at 1-800-387-0750 to speak to a WSIB representative.

Yes, if you worked at GE Peterborough and think you may have a work-related illness, please call us at 1-800-387-0750 to file a new claim.

Each circumstance is unique. For more information, please call us at 1-800-387-0750 to speak to a WSIB representative.

No. We will continue to accept claims and provide health services and benefits to eligible current and former employees regardless of the operating status of the plant.

If you disagree with a decision made in your claim, you may wish to start the appeals process. You can learn more about this on the appeals section of our website. While not required, you may seek representation through the appeals process from the Office of the Worker Adviser or through your union representative. 

Please call us at 1-800-387-0750 (TTY: 1-800-387-0050) and let the WSIB representative know that you have questions about GE Peterborough claims.

For more information or to file a new claim, call us at 1-800-387-0750 (TTY: 1-800-387-0050).