Safe Work Ad Campaign Focuses Attention on Need for Safety Training in the Workplace  

Winnipeg, MB – The latest SAFE Work ad campaign emphasizing the importance of workplace safety training was introduced today.

The four-week campaign aims for maximum impact by featuring young children doing adult jobs amidst a host of workplace hazards, with little direction from their supervisor other than to be careful. The campaign drives home the message that safe workers are not born that way, they need training.

Training is especially important for the young workers in Manitoba who make up 18 percent of the province’s workforce. These workers are often more vulnerable to injury because of their lack of experience.

“Our strong economy means there are many opportunities for our new and young workers to enter the labour force,” said Minister of Labour and Immigration Nancy Allan. “Our objective is to ensure these workers, and all Manitoba’s workers, receive proper training so they understand the rules and procedures to work safely.”

SAFE Work partners have made safety and health training available. Courses are offered by the Workplace Safety and Health Division, industry safety associations, the Safe Workers of Tomorrow, and Safety Services Manitoba.

To further protect the safety and health of all working Manitobans, government will add 20 new workplace safety and health officers across the province.

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba reports that the province’s time loss injury rate has decreased by 22 percent since 2000.

“Training is a key component of preventing injuries and further reducing the injury rate in Manitoba,” said Doug Sexsmith, Workers Compensation Board President and CEO. “It’s also essential to fostering a culture of safety and health in the province.”

The ads were introduced at one of Standard Aero Group’s Winnipeg plants. The company is a leader in safety and training practices.

“We believe there is a safe way to do every job and that workplace injuries and illness can be eliminated,” said Bruce Clarke, Standard Aero Group Vice President of Human Resources. “At Standard Aero, we support these beliefs with a training program that allows our employees to deal with safety issues in a proactive and knowledgeable manner.”

The SAFE Work strategy is a joint initiative of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba and the Workplace Safety and Health Division to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses through promotion, protection and education.

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