North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week Issues Challenge to 'Make Safety a Habit'


May 4, 2015

Released in partnership with the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba and SAFE Work Manitoba

BRANDON – From May 3 to 9, North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week will take place with the theme of “Make Safety a Habit, for Your Career.”

Led by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), NAOSH Week focuses on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace and raises understanding and awareness of safety and health issues.

“Our government is committed to working with businesses and workers to ensure Manitoba workers come home safely at the end of each shift,” said Erna Braun, Minister of Labour and Immigration. “NAOSH Week allows us to highlight that everyone has a role in creating a safe and healthy workplace.”

Safety leaders and professionals gathered at Brandon City Hall on Monday, May 4, to kick off the week.

“Workplace health and safety is an extremely important piece of the City of Brandon’s internal philosophy,” said Mayor Rick Chrest. “Since the 2012 launch of our Mission Zero campaign, we’ve consistently reduced our incidence of workplace injuries. This year, we are pleased to be launching the next phase of our campaign, strengthening our commitment to keep our workers safe, healthy and happy.”

“The WCB is a strong supporter of NAOSH Week and we are pleased to offer Manitobans focused prevention services through SAFE Work Manitoba,” said Dan Robertson, Director of the WCB's Brandon office. “When every person at the workplace makes safety a habit, all Manitobans benefit.”

As part of NAOSH Week, many Manitoba employers develop safety activities in their workplace as a way to build prevention awareness with their employees and the general public, including:

  • launching a recognition program to reward health and safety suggestions
  • creating a company safety calendar with reminders and tips
  • hosting a family safety fair or picnic
  • conducting workplace safety games throughout the week
     

Annual awards are presented to safety-minded organizations in various categories, including best overall entry, most innovative and best representation of a theme. Organizations in Manitoba are invited to submit entries for this year’s NAOSH awards at www.safemanitoba.com by June 26, 2015.

NAOSH Week is an annual occupational safety and health celebration led by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering - Manitoba Chapter, in partnership with SAFE Work Manitoba, Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba and the Manitoba NAOSH Week 2015 Planning Committee. The host for the 2015 event is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. More information can be found at www.safemanitoba.com.