A dramatic television ad is the centre piece of Phase 2 of the SAFE Manitoba joint initiative between the Workers Compensation Board and the Province of Manitoba committed to reducing workplace injuries.

Last June, the Manitoba Government and the WCB joined forces with partners in labour and the business community in a comprehensive injury prevention program under the banner of SAFE Manitoba. The joint prevention initiative grew out of 62 recommendations of the Minister of Labour's Review Committee on Workplace Safety and Health.

"We're committed to raising awareness and changing people's attitudes and behaviours when it comes to safety," said Wally Fox-Decent, WCB Chairperson.

"We've strategically focused on hand injuries in this phase of the program because nearly 25 per cent of all workplace injuries are on the hand. And, one in three of these injuries result in an average of 15 days of lost time from work. In 2002 alone, Manitoba workers reported over eight thousand hand injuries to the Workers Compensation Board, totaling close to 43,000 days lost from work," said Fox-Decent.

Phase two of the SAFE Manitoba campaign will continue to reinforce the personal risk management model promoted in Phase 1:

Spot the hazard. Assess the risk. Find a safer way. Everyday.

Rob Hilliard, President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, said "it's important to make safety a priority in the minds of all Manitobans. The toll of a workplace injury extends far beyond productivity and economics. When a worker is injured it affects his or her family, the community and our province as a whole."

Manitoba's injury statistics are alarming. Since 2000, 137 individuals have died as a result of workplace accidents. In 2002 alone, 42,985 accidents were reported to the WCB including 17,364 involving injuries severe enough to require time off work. Many of these include young workers age 15 - 24.

Bill Gardner, speaking on behalf of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce said, "the vast majority of employers care deeply for the safety and health of their employees. Beyond this, safe work practices are good business because reducing lost time injuries lowers costs and improves productivity."

For more information contact:

Warren Preece
WCB
(204) 954-4113


Hand Injury Highlights:

• In Manitoba, almost one of every four workplace injuries is hand-related.
• Of these hand injuries, one in three will result in an average of 15 days of lost time from work.
• In 2002 alone, Manitoba workers reported over eight thousand hand injuries to the Workers Compensation Board, totaling close to 43,000 days lost from work.
• Every working day in Manitoba, on average:
  • One worker will suffer an amputation to at least part of their hand
  • Four workers will have their hand or hands crushed
  • Eight workers will fracture, puncture, strain, sprain or burn their hand on the job.