The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) and the Workplace Safety and Health Division (WSHD), together with SAFE Work partners in construction, are highlighting safety across Manitoba’s busy construction sector.
Activity in this industry has been on the rise over the past several years. With this increase in activity comes a heightened need for prevention efforts. An important step is enhancing awareness of safety among both workers and employers in the construction sector.
SAFE Work partners are doing so through an ongoing public awareness campaign, one component of which is the "Sounds of Construction" commercial which will begin airing today. The ad is one part of the initiative between the WCB and the WSHD aimed at preventing injuries in Manitoba's construction sector.
Since 2005, the WSHD has added three new Safety and Health Officers to this important sector, who are working with employers and safety associations to ensure the maintenance of safety practices and compliance with regulations.
“With the construction industry growing and new, young workers entering this sector of our workforce everyday, we must be more diligent than ever in preventing injuries and ensure we have SAFE Work on every job site,” said Minister of Labour and Immigration Nancy Allan.
The prevention message will also be carried directly onto construction sites. The WCB is hiring two graduates from the Red River Community College Safety and Health Program who, in partnership with the Winnipeg Construction Association and the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, will visit construction sites to spread the safety message and provide information about prevention resources.
“We’re committed to fostering a safe and healthy work environment for all Manitobans,” said WCB Chairperson Tom Farrell. “Through our SAFE Work partnerships, we’re helping to raise awareness, educate our workforce and target our efforts in key industries where they’re needed most.”
The Sounds of Construction commercial will air until the end of June.
The SAFE Work strategy is a joint initiative of the WCB and WSHD to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses through promotion, protection and education.
SAFE: Spot the hazard. Assess the risk. Find a safer way. Everyday.
Contact:
Warren Preece, Director of Communications
Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba
(204) 954-4113
1-800-362-3340
