Joint Initiative Unveiled on Day of Mourning

The Day of Mourning is a time to reflect on the unfortunate and often fatal consequences of workplace injury and disease. The loss of life and health in the workplace is a tragedy not only because of the pain and anguish suffered by workers but also because it need not occur.

The Manitoba Government in partnership with the WCB are joining with partners in the labour and business community to embark on a comprehensive injury prevention program under the banner of SAFE Manitoba.

The SAFE Manitoba safety brand contains an easy to remember personal risk management model or, mental cue, to think of safety at work and in all walks of life. SAFE; Spot the hazard, Assess the risk, Find a safer way, Everyday! This approach to safety is applicable from the board room to the shop floor, from the playground to the farm-field and beyond.

"This terrible toll on working Manitobans and their families is all the more tragic because it is preventable," said Minister of Labour Becky Barrett. "This is why the SAFE Manitoba united front is a critical component of our mission to rid the workplace of needless human suffering and economic disruption."

The joint prevention initiative grew out of the 62 recommendations of the Minister's Review Committee on Workplace Safety and Health. A key recommendation was to build a strong workplace safety and health culture in Manitoba and to reduce the time loss injury rate by 25% over five years.

"The flag flies at half mast in front of the WCB, today April 28th, in remembrance of workers who have died as a result of their work," said Wally Fox-Decent WCB Chair. "We at the WCB join with our many partners in pledging to end this needless loss of life and health and are excited to be part of the SAFE Manitoba coordinated action plan to reduce workplace injuries and illness," continued Fox-Decent.

The first SAFE Manitoba initiatives are focused at the key target audience of young workers.

A number of education resource materials have been developed:

• a teacher resource binder containing basic workplace safety information,
• a CD Rom with safety information in an electronic form and
• an Industrial Arts Teacher safety support package called "Keeping Your Facility Safe".

• workplace safety and health primers focused on youth entering the workforce, made
  up of three brochures published in partnership with Human Resources Development
  Canada, which are aimed at young people, parents, and employers and supervisors; and
• a Minerva SAFE Manitoba Endowment Fund is being established that will lead to
  annual Minerva SAFE Manitoba Occupational Health and Safety Awards at the
  University of Manitoba and Red River College.
  

A related WCB project under SAFE Manitoba is a publication entitled SAFE Work is Good for Business, which lays out best practices for injury prevention in the workplace. This booklet is a collaborative effort between employers and the WCB.

As well, Workplace Safety and Health has developed a SAFE Work Workplace Safety and Health Program Guide that sets out the steps for companies to prevent injuries.

"We in government are facing the challenge of reducing injuries with interdepartmental efforts to get the prevention message out to our vulnerable young people," said Education and Youth Minister Ron Lemieux. "We are well aware that an improved safety culture is not something government can do on its own," continued Lemieux, "that is why the SAFE Manitoba initiative is moving forward with the participation of employers and labour groups."

These important activities will be enhanced and supported by a public awareness campaign which will get underway later in the year.

"The commitment to improved workplace safety by employers, workers and government has been remarkable," said Fox-Decent. "The journey from the 62 consensus recommendations of the Review Committee through to our many joint initiatives under the SAFE Manitoba banner is a testament to that commitment. It's that continued cooperation which holds the key to safer workplaces."


Contact:

Warren Preece
WCB Manitoba
(204) 954-4113

Peter Dalla-Vicenza
Cabinet Communications
(204) 945-1494

Paul White
Communication Services Manitoba
(204) 945-8124