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Introduction Of A New Strategy Looks To Reduce Fatalities And Serious Injuries In The Workplace

Dec
2

Introduction Of A New Strategy Looks To Reduce Fatalities And Serious Injuries In The Workplace

Released on December 2, 2019

Today a new approach to preventing fatalities and serious workplace injuries that looks at high-risk industries and the tasks within those industries was introduced.

The three-year Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy is the product of WorkSafe Saskatchewan, which is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.

“Safety needs to be a priority in every workplace and across all industries,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said.  “Workplace injuries and fatalities are absolutely unacceptable and leave a devastating impact on loved ones.  I’m pleased that we have been able to work together with a number of stakeholders to develop a strategy with concrete actions that will help to reduce the number of workplace fatalities and injuries.”

The strategy will focus on priority industries and occupations, where the greatest number of injures to workers are reported.  Approximately 2,400 Saskatchewan workers are seriously injured each year and from 2010-2018 the WCB reported 354 fatalities for workers who died on, or as a result of their job.

The three-year strategy outlines targets to reducing the number of injuries and the actions that will be taken to achieve these numbers.  The four injury priority areas are asbestos exposure, work related motor vehicle crashes, firefighter cancer exposure and falls from heights.

“Workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility and this strategy looks to build on the work that is already taking place to reduce serious injuries and fatalities,” WCB Board Chairperson Gord Dobrowolsky said.  “If we are to be successful, we need to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders so workers go home safely each day.”

Copies of the full strategy are available here: www.worksafesask.ca/prevention/serious-injuries-and-fatalities/.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Toews
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: jennifer.toews3@gov.sk.ca

Carolyn Van der Veen
Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4386
Email: CVanderVeen@wcbsask.com