The following statement was issued today by Percy Barrett, 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 4-10, as North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, or NAOSH Week. During this time 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 and 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.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the need to work with businesses, with labour associations and communities at large to foster an environment where we can reduce human, social and economic loss that often results from workplace accident, injury and death.

The theme of this year�s NAOSH Week is Prevention is the Cure - Prepare Young Workers for the Future. As a government, we remain committed to ensuring young people are well prepared for long, healthy careers in the workplace. We will continue to work with employers, employees and labour toward this goal.

As a government, we remain focused on striving for excellence in health and safety in our province�s workplaces. We believe a healthy workplace means healthy employees, and that is good for everyone.

And we are having success in our efforts. Since 2000, we have experienced a significant drop in both short-term disability claims and health care claims which has seen the numbers of time loss claims drop from 12,847 in 2000 to 9,985 in 2002. This represents a drop of almost 3,000 claims which is quite a significant achievement.

However, while we have made great strides in health and safety in the workplace, there are still accidents and fatalities in the province. Much has been accomplished but much needs to done. It is vital we continue, as a government, to be vigilant and to continue to work with business and labour to promote safe and healthy workplaces in our province.

In recognition of NAOSH Week, I ask all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to encourage their employers and fellow employees to strengthen their commitment and support of occupational health and safety in an effort to bring an end to work-related illness and injury.

2003 05 06                                    1:35 p.m.