Parliamentary Secretary Lois Brown commends employers for excellence in workplace health and safety

TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Ms. Lois Brown, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development and Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora, on behalf of the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, congratulated the winners of Canada's Safest Employers Awards at the 4th annual gala in Toronto last night.

Canada's Safest Employers Awards recognizes employers who demonstrate exceptional occupational health and safety practices across multiple industries, ranging from natural resources and health care, to mining and hospitality.

In her speech, Ms. Brown encouraged employers and employees to take proactive measures to prevent accidents and fatalities on the job, including addressing mental health issues in the workplace.

The Government of Canada Labour Program develops, administers and enforces workplace legislation and health and safety regulations, including the Canada Labour Code, for federally regulated workers and employers.

Quick Facts

• Across Canada, for both federal and provincial jurisdictions, the total cost of injuries and illnesses in the workplace to the Canadian economy is estimated to be $19 billion a year.
• Close to 1,000 workers die every year in these jurisdictions.
• Young workers are far more likely than adults to be injured on the job. Within the federal jurisdiction specifically, young workers represent 8 percent of the population of workers and account for 8 percent of injuries.
• In any given week, at least half a million employed Canadians miss work because of a mental health problem, resulting in 35 million lost work days in Canada each year.
• The annual financial cost to the Canadian economy stemming from mental illnesses is estimated at approximately $51 billion, with about $21 billion per year directly related to workplace losses.

Quote

"We need to ensure all Canadian workers can come home safe and sound at the end of their work day. Tonight's recipients and nominees have demonstrated that by investing in employee safety, both physical and psychological, employers have a tremendous impact on reducing workplace death and injury, while promoting positive workplace culture."
– Lois Brown, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development and Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora

Associated Links

Labour Program
Canada's Safest Employers Awards
National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace

 

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

Andrew McGrath, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, 819-953-5646, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected], Follow us on Twitter