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May 30, 1996
(Environment and Labour)

 

Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Week Awards

Kevin Alyward, Minister of Environment and Labour, launched Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Week on May 30 at Labatt Breweries, one of COHS week's major sponsors. The minister presented Occupational Health and Safety Leadership Recognition Awards to acknowledge the efforts by individuals, organizations and companies in the prevention of workplace accidents and injuries during the past year.

The minister said: "COHS week is an opportunity for community groups, safety organizations, industry, labour, and government to promote health and safety in the workplace." The theme of this year's COHS week is "Training - Target Zero." Training is required by Newfoundland and Labrador's Occupational Health and Safety Legislation for various professions. Training is important for workers in order to improve and develop skills, and to provide knowledge essential for preventing accidents, injuries or deaths in the workplace. When workers have received adequate training, they are able to recognize and deal effectively with health and safety hazards, thereby reducing risks. Training is the key to achieving the goal of Target Zero for accidents, injuries and deaths. The minister presented the following awards: Award of Merit

Award of Merit to Alvin Blundon and Clay Puddister, employees at Memorial Stadium, for saving the life of an elderly man who collapsed following a skate session. Mr. Blundon and Mr. Puddister both performed CPR until the arrival of the Emergency Medical Assistance. Volunteer Appreciation Award

Volunteer Appreciation Award to Clarence Mitchell for volunteering his time, while on lay-off status at Fishery Products International, Marystown, to organize presentations on fire safety during Family Safety Day. Mr. Mitchell has always been active in safety related matters at work and in the community. He acted as co-chair of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee for several terms, promoting fire safety awareness. He not only organized a fire brigade for his own plant, but also for others in the company. Mr. Mitchell has been involved in the Town of Burin Fire Department since 1960 and was the Fire Chief from 1976-1994. He has also served as the President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Chiefs and Fire Fighters Association from 1990-1993 and has remained on the executive of the association since 1993. Innovative Safety Award Solution

Innovative Safety Award Solution to Abitibi Price, Stephenville, for installing and training all shipping employees in the use of a "safety cage." The device is unique, the first to be used in this industry. It lifts injured employees out of the hold of a ship while allowing continued first aid treatment. This innovation was proposed and designed by two employees. Outstanding Safety Committee/Representative Award

Outstanding Safety Committee/Representative Award to the Hotel Newfoundland's committee for its active involvement in health and safety issues. This committee participates in all aspects of safety planning and programming at the hotel, including investigations, audits, a suggestion program, a safety communications program, as well as reviewing and revising the company's safety policy. Health and Safety Program Award

Health and Safety Program Award to Canadian Liquid Air for its implementation of an outstanding health and safety program. Canadian Liquid Air has not had a lost time, work-related incident in the last seven years. This company reviews and develops its safety operation regularly. An inspection team conducts examinations of all facilities every two weeks. An emergency action plan is in place for which all employees are trained. Canadian Liquid Air provides protective equipment and first aid training to all employees. Minister's Award of Excellence

Minister's Award of Excellence to Abitibi Price, Stephenville, for having demonstrated an improved safety record, continued support of training programs and overall commitment to workplace health and safety. The Stephenville Division has a fully supported Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee. The company provides a safety indoctrination program for new employees and a safety refresher program for all. First aid training is available, and there is an on-site ambulance. The company also has an Employee and Family Assistance Program, a claims management program for injured and sick employees, and a modified work program in operation.

Contact: Jean Smith, (709)729-2703, John O'Brien, (709)726-4200

1996 05 30 12:30 p.m.

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