The following statement was issued today by Anna Thistle, Minister of Labour. It was also read in the House of Assembly

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week

I rise today to recognize May 6 - 12, as North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, or (NAOSH Week). This is the fifth year that employers, government, labour and workers, in Canada, the United States and Mexico, will join forces to promote a greater awareness for the importance of preventing workplace accidents and occupational illnesses.

Just last week, Canadians paid tribute to those who have been injured or who have died on the job, in an official Day of Mourning. In a ceremony here at Confederation Building, employers, employees were encouraged to strengthen their commitment and support of occupational health and safety, in an effort to bring an end to work-related illness and injury.

On Wednesday, May 2, I presented this year�s Occupational Health and Safety Recognition Awards. These awards are an initiative of the Department of Labour and the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission. I am extremely pleased to publically acknowledge the recipients of these awards, today in this legislature.

This year�s recipients of the Award of Merit are Gordon Aldie, Paul Alyward of Canadian Helicopters and Helen LaFleche of Voisey�s Bay Nickel. In extreme weather conditions, this team of professionals took part in a medivac operation to rescue and transport a severely injured worker.

The Outstanding Health and Safety Committee/Representative Award was presented jointly this year to Health and Community Services - Western, and Pat and Marleen McMaster Enterprises - Canadian Tire, Stephenville.

The Health and Safety Program Award, for the implementation of an outstanding health and safety program was captured by COSTCO Wholesale of St. John�s.

Finally, the Minister�s Award of Excellence, was presented to H.J. O�Connell Construction Ltd. of Wabush. In 1997, this company implemented a comprehensive health and safety program and has succeeded in reducing its lost-time accidents by 90 per cent, and lost days by 97 per cent. On July 16, 2000, the field operations crews in Labrador West marked a significant safety milestone by celebrating 1,000 days without a lost-time accident.

The winners of this year�s occupational health and safety awards set an example for all of us. I believe that the changes these people are making in the workplace are exactly the kind of activities that will lead to the creation of a positive safety culture in this province. I applaud our winners and encourage them to continue their commitment to a safe workplace. As well, I hope that others will learn from their example and strive to make the same commitment.

2001 05 07                                                   2:50 p.m.