Transportation and Works
May 11, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works:

Transportation and Works Employee Selected as Judge for Canada’s Safest Employer Awards

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise in this Honourable House today to recognize Barry Fitzgerald, Senior Manager of Corporate Safety, with the Department of Transportation and Works, who has been selected as a judge for this year’s Canada’s Safest Employers Awards.

The awards recognize companies from all across Canada with outstanding accomplishments in promoting the health and safety of their workers.

Awards will be presented in the fall in a wide range of categories with organizations judged on health and safety criteria such as employee training, incident investigation and emergency preparedness.

Mr. Fitzgerald has been with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for over three years and supports Transportation and Works employees at all levels as they fulfill their safety responsibilities.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour for Mr. Fitzgerald to be selected as a judge.

There is no greater priority than the safety of our employees and the travelling public. The department is working to build a strong environment of workplace safety that is squarely focused on safety first. We have made gains by improving and updating procedures and policies. We are also taking advantage of North American Occupational Safety and Health Week to raise awareness by holding special activities with staff.

With approximately 1,700 employees who daily work in challenging environments, we are constantly seeking new opportunities to improve and enhance a culture of safety.

I ask my Honourable colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Fitzgerald and to recognize our dedicated employees who work diligently every day to ensure safety for everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

2017 05 11                              1:50 p.m.