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Workplace Injuries Are Preventable - The Evolution of SAFE Work
Workplace injuries are preventable.
This simple but powerful statement is the reason the SAFE Work program was developed in 2001. At that time, the Workplace Safety and Health Review Committee gathered public input from across Manitoba and provided over 60 recommendations. Top priorities included promoting a culture of safety and health throughout the province and achieving a 25 per cent reduction in the time loss injury rate.
To make SAFE Work a reality, the Workplace Safety and Health Division WSHD) of Manitoba Labour and Immigration and the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) combined their efforts to develop the province-wide safety program.
The SAFE Work strategy aims to reduce workplace injury and illness and create safer, healthier workplaces throughout Manitoba.The strategy relies on public awareness and education; training; people taking responsibility for safety and health; prevention efforts; and supportive partnerships across the province.
And SAFE Work is happening – with the support of employers, workers, safety associations, the community, the WSHD and the WCB. Manitoba’s business community has also taken up the SAFE Work cause. Manitoba Hydro, Biovail, Vale Inco and Mark’s Work Wearhouse are a sample of the businesses that spread the SAFE Work message.
This commitment by business leaders to acknowledge the importance of workplace health and safety is essential.
SAFE Work public awareness campaigns have also significantly impacted public awareness. As a result of SAFE Work advertising, a whopping 90 per cent of Manitobans know about SAFE Work.
Creating awareness that workplace injuries are preventable is helping to change attitudes about workplace safety and health. Workers and employers are becoming more knowledgeable about the importance of workplace safety and health, and the roles and responsibilities for providing new, young and existing workers with proper safety training and resources.
To continue the movement towards a SAFE Work environment in every workplace, the WCB recently created the SAFE Work Services team to consult with Manitoba employers and help businesses create quality workplace safety and health and return to work programs.
For more information on SAFE Manitoba, check out The Joint Injury and Illness Prevention Strategy, 2008-2012.