News
North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week Helping Workers Make it Home Safely
From May 1 to 7, North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week will take place for a fifteenth year with the theme of “What’s Your Plan, Manitoba?”
Led by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), NAOSH Week focuses on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace and raises understanding and awareness of safety and health issues.
“This week is a chance for Manitoba organizations to demonstrate and strengthen their commitment to the well-being of employees, families and communities,” says Manitoba Minister of Labour and Immigration Jennifer Howard, seen to the right signing the NAOSH proclamation. “The Government is committed to ensuring all Manitoba workers return home safely to their families. We all have a responsibility to take the steps necessary to stay safe in the workplace, and in all aspects of our daily lives.”
Safety leaders and professionals will be gathering at the Caboto Centre on Tuesday, May 3 to kick off the week. The event will include keynote presentations, networking opportunities and displays.
“Our support of NAOSH Week reflects the WCB’s belief that all workplace injuries are preventable,” says WCB President and CEO Doug Sexsmith. “By celebrating safety and health in our community and making prevention a high priority in every workplace, we are building a culture of safety and health in Manitoba.”
As part of NAOSH Week, many Manitoba employers develop safety activities in their workplace as a way to build prevention awareness among their employees and the general public. Some examples include:
creating a company safety calendar with reminders and tips hosting a family safety fair or picnic conducting workplace safety games throughout the week launching a recognition program to reward health and safety suggestions.
Annual awards are presented to safety-minded organizations in various categories, including best overall entry, most innovative and best representation of a theme. Organizations in Manitoba are invited to submit entries for this year’s NAOSH awards at www.safemanitoba.com by June 17, 2011.
NAOSH Week is an annual occupational safety and health celebration led by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, Manitoba Chapter, in partnership with the Workplace Safety and Health Division, Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, Construction Safety Association of Manitoba, and the Manitoba NAOSH Week 2011 Planning Committee. More information can be found at www.safemanitoba.com
The SAFE Work strategy is a joint initiative of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba and the Workplace Safety and Health Division to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses through promotion, protection and education.
Warren Preece
Director of Communications
WCB Manitoba
(204) 954-4113
Kate Fenske
Press Secretary Cabinet Communications
(204) 945-1494