NAOSH Week

20 03 For your SAFETY or call 1-800-940-3447 Dig safe Your life is on the line. Have underground utilities located and marked. 11050-TP-MBH-NAOSH-Ad [ClickB4uDig-Boot][5.125x5.625] Apr2017-FNL.indd 1 2017-04-27 1:35 PM we are safety C O N S T R U C T I O N S A F E T Y. C A CELEBRATING TWO DECADES BY JENNIFER MCFEE It's a safe to says health and safety have gained significance in the workplace over the last two decades. This year marks the 20th anniversary of North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week, focusing on the theme Make Safety a Habit. Activities are taking place throughout the province May 7-13, including events in Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Winkler, Morden and The Pas. In June 1997, the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) became the driving force that launched the annual awareness-raising campaign. Each year, participation has continued to increase for NAOSH Week, which formed through an agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. As chair of the Manitoba chapter of the CSSE, Ellen Kotula outlines the role of the organization. "We're an association dedicated to the professional development of safety and health practitioners across Canada," says Kotula, who is the first female in Manitoba to obtain her Red Seal for crane operating. "We offer events and networking opportunities for safety professionals in the region." The CSSE also offers training sessions and a professional designation that people can obtain based on their education and experience. "It's a designation that's highly sought after from employers who are looking to hire safety professionals within their organizations," Kotula says. "A safety professional can advise and guide the management teams on being in compliance with workplace safety and health legislation standards." For Shahin Khidir, CSSE Manitoba co-chair for NAOSH Week, the annual initiative serves as an important reminder to make safety a habit every day. "We want NAOSH Week to be the biggest and best yet for the 20th year," says Khidir, a workplace safety and health leader for Bison Transport. "We try to live a safe life every day at work and at home, so let's celebrate this week by talking about what we do and bringing more awareness out." This year, NAOSH Week starts off with the Steps of Life fundraising walk on May 7 in Kildonan Park to benefit Threads of Life, a charity that supports families affected by a workplace injury or accident. Then on May 8, the official Manitoba NAOSH Week launch will take place at Investors Group Field in the Pinnacle Lounge starting at 8:30 a.m. Winnipeg Blue Bombers president and CEO Wade Miller will be the keynote speaker, and other guest speakers will also share their stories. In Brandon, the launch event takes place on May 9. The festivities continue on May 11 with the SAFE Workers of Tomorrow Bingo Bowl at Polo Park Lanes. In addition to these scheduled events, Khidir encourages different companies to host their own workplace activity during NAOSH Week. Sample activities and other resources are available online at naosh.ca. "Unexpected injuries can happen to anyone," said Khidir. "NAOSH Week is about safety awareness, involvement and a good reminder that making health and safety is a part of every job and an everyday habit. Throughout NAOSH week many companies in Manitoba participate in activities that are safety related at work and at home, activities that are engaging and fun. It helps to engage employees in safety activities and at the same time have fun." Activities could include a company barbecue, a colouring contest for kids, a take-home evacuation plan or an initiative to identify hazards. Companies can enter their events for a chance to win a NAOSH award, which will be presented at a gala dinner on Sept. 27. More information is available at safemanitoba.com. "No event is too small, and companies from every industry are encouraged to participate," she says. "It's all about bringing awareness for people at work and in their own daily lives." Preventing loss, protecting people since 1964 www.safetyservicesmanitoba.ca 204.949.1085 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING & CONSULTING Preventing loss, protecting people since 1964 www.safetyservicesmanitoba.ca 204.949.1085 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING & CONSULTING Preventing loss, protecting people since 1964 www.safetyservicesmanitoba.ca 204.949.1085 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING & CONSULTING Preventing Loss Protecting People Since 1964

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