OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH: "WORK SAFELY FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE"

Released on May 12, 2000

North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week is May 15-21. Its

purpose is to focus the attention of employers, employees and the general

public on the importance of preventing injuries and illnesses in the

workplace. This year's theme is "Work Safely for a Healthy Future."



Like last year, young and first-time workers are being given 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. 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.



In Saskatchewan, the Labour Program of Human Resources Development Canada,

Saskatchewan Labour, Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board, the Canadian

Society of Safety Engineers, the Saskatchewan Safety Council and industry

safety associations are partnering to encourage occupational safety and health.



To officially launch NAOSH Week in Saskatchewan, the four partners are holding

a kick-off event today in Regina. The event features a collision avoidance

demonstration to be conducted at Regina's Exhibition Park.



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For more information, contact:



Terry Daly Steve Wallace

Canadian Society of Safety Engineers Heavy Construction Safety Association

Regina Of Saskatchewan Inc.

Phone: (306) 777-5283 Regina, Phone: (306) 729-3060



Carol Todd John Deggenaro

Saskatchewan Labour Human Resources Development Canada

Regina Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4156 Phone: (306) 780-7389