NEW ACTION PLAN TO REDUCE WORKPLACE INJURIES

A renewed commitment to health and safety will mean fewer injuries and illnesses in Saskatchewan workplaces in the future.

Saskatchewan Labour today introduced its Action Plan for Healthy and Safe Workplaces, which includes hiring six new Occupational Health Officers to enforce safety standards and to help educate employers and workers on reducing workplace injuries.

"There are more people working in this province than ever before," Labour Minister Deb Higgins said. "We need to make sure that more people aren't getting injured on the job as a result."

The Five-Point Action Plan for Healthy and Safe Workplaces includes:

• Taking Responsibility – Committing to good health and safety work practices is the key to injury prevention.
• Improving Standards – Saskatchewan's health and safety standards are based on practical experience. Every workplace is expected to meet them.
• Providing Support – Saskatchewan Labour provides technical and practical support for better risk management.
• Reaching New Workers and Their Employers – Young workers are more likely to be injured on the job. Tools are available to help new workers stay healthy and safe on the job.
• Increasing Awareness – Health and safety needs to be a part of each and every workplace activity.

"Reducing workplace injuries is paramount," Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Council chair Don Grant said. "Efforts to increase compliance with safe work procedures by employers and workers are absolutely necessary."

The Action Plan is integrated with WorkSafe Saskatchewan, a joint Saskatchewan Labour/Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) initiative to foster workplace partnerships committed to preventing the causes and reducing the impacts of occupational illness and injury.

"We believe this initiative contributes directly to meeting the WorkSafe Saskatchewan mission and will help the Workers' Compensation Board achieve our strategic objectives to reduce injury rates," WCB Chair John Solomon said.

The Occupational Health and Safety Division expects to have the new officers in the field by December 1st.

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For More Information, Contact:

Allan Walker Labour Regina Phone: (306)787-4481