OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH: IT'S EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS

North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week is

May 17-23rd. Its purpose is to focus the attention of employers,

employees and the general public on the importance of preventing

injury and illness in the workplace. This year's theme is

"Occupational Safety and Health: It's Everybody's Business!"



In Saskatchewan, Human Resources Development Canada - Labour Program,

Saskatchewan Labour, the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers, and the

Saskatchewan Safety Council are partnering to encourage occupational

safety and health.



To officially launch NAOSH Week in Saskatchewan, the four partners

will hold simultaneous kick-off events in Regina and Saskatoon on May

14, 1999. The events will feature a demonstration of "high angle

rescue" to be conducted by the Regina and Saskatoon fire departments.



Young and first-time workers are being targeted for special attention

in this year's campaign. They have a higher rate of work-related

injuries than other age groups, often because of their general

inexperience in the workplace.



Labour representatives will staff displays at SIAST campuses in

Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert, the Saskatchewan

Indian Federated College, and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of

Technologies to inform young and first-time workers about safety.



Workplace injuries and illnesses not only affect the worker, they

also affect family, friends and community. So during NAOSH week,

and throughout the year, it is important to remember that

everyone is a partner in safety. "Occupational Safety and

Health: It's Everybody's Business!"



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For more information, contact:



Terry Daly

Canadian Society of Safety Engineers

Regina

Phone: (306) 777-5283



John Deggenaro

Human Resources Development Canada - Labour Program

Regina

Phone: (306) 780-7389



Steve Wallace

Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan Inc.

Regina

Phone: (306) 729-3060



Carol Todd

Saskatchewan Labour

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4156