Occupational Health and Safety Partnerships Promoted

Partners, Together in Safety is the theme for this year's Occupational Health and Safety Week marked through industry and government May 18 to 24.

Transportation and Public Works Minister Clifford Huskilson reaffirmed the department's commitment to health and safety on all of its projects, including those involving contracted work.

"Health and safety in the workplace is a shared responsibility," Mr. Huskilson said today. "I am pleased with the leadership role our department has taken in developing partnerships in health and safety. We value the full support of all parties, our managers, employees and unions, private sector contractors and health and safety organizations."

In the spirit of partnership, over the next year Transportation and Public works will help small contractors who are not yet safety certified by allowing them to work under the umbrella of the department's OH&S program while they develop their own programs.

"North American Occupational Safety and Health Week is an excellent time to remind all our contractors of the health and safety requirements for bidding on our jobs," said Mr. Huskilson.

Transportation and Public Works recently received the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Leadership Award for its role in promoting greater attention to health and safety on every job. Over the past several years, in addition to its own OH&S program, the department has required its contractors to be registered with the Workers' Compensation Board and to be safety certified.

"The safety of our workers is something we don't take lightly," said Dave Gibson, acting manager of the department's Occupational Health and Safety Section. "I am thankful so many of our employees contribute to the development of our OH&S programs. Their experiences and concerns help shape the way we conduct ourselves in potentially hazardous situations on the job."

Occupational Health and Safety Week culminates Friday, May 22, with a one-day symposium featuring seminars on Contracting Out Safely and the Westray Report. A highlight will be an awards luncheon to recognize outstanding contributions to the promotion of occupational health and safety in the province.