SAFETY ADVOCATE HIGHLIGHTS NAOSH WEEK IN SASKATCHEWAN

Rob Ellis, an advocate for workplace safety, will be the keynote speaker at the provincial launch of North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week in Regina.

Ellis has dedicated his life to safety since he lost his 18 year-old son to a workplace incident in 1999. Ellis is the guest speaker at the provincial NAOSH luncheon, Tuesday, May 4 at the Queensbury Convention Centre in Regina and will also meet with students at several Regina high schools.

"The determined efforts of Mr. Ellis and others to make our workplaces safer, especially for young people, are greatly appreciated," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said.

The goal of NAOSH week is to focus the attention of employers, employees and the general public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community.

"Our government takes occupational health and safety very seriously, especially when it comes to young workers," Norris said. "That's why we introduced a minimum age of employment and put in place safeguards to protect young workers. Earlier this year, we launched an interactive Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course to educate our young people about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace."

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour partners with the Government of Canada, Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, Saskatchewan Safety Council, Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board and the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour to promote NAOSH week in the province.

To find out more about NAOSH Week and occupational health and safety, visit www.naosh.com or www.aeel.gov.sk.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Bill Stovin
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926
Email: bill.stovin@gov.sk.ca