The following statement was issued today by Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today in recognition of North American Occupational Safety and Health week, or "NAOSH Week" as it is referred to internationally.

This is a week set aside every May in Canada, the United States and Mexico to promote awareness of the importance of safe and healthy workplaces.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should all be particularly proud of this international celebration to promote workplace safety. What started out as a local, week-long initiative here in St. John�s nearly 20 years ago has grown into the international event we know today.

The Canadian Society of Safety Engineers are the champions of NAOSH week and it was here with the local chapter of this society that NAOSH Week was born.

This is a testament to the outstanding contributions Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have made, and continue to make, in the field of workplace safety and in many other fields of expertise around the world.

This year the theme for NAOSH week is EQUIP, EDUCATE and EMPOWER.

This theme highlights the importance of using the proper tools for the task at hand, making sure workers have the right knowledge to do the task safely, and that they have the commitment to work safely every day.

Initiatives such as NAOSH week allow us to reflect on our own workplace practices, and to renew our commitment to working safely every day.

This week, across our province and across North America, celebrations and activities will be occurring in workplaces large and small to promote safe work practices. I encourage everyone to use this week to do something special in their workplace to renew their resolve to improving workplace safety.

Together, government, employers and employees can make Newfoundland and Labrador a safe and productive place to work.

2005 05 03                       1:50 p.m.