L-R: Melanie Helstein (Darragh Safety Coordinator, North Start Energy Services), Kelley Pettigrew (Chair GPRSC), Pete Merlo (CEO LSM)
Reducing workplace injuries one worker at a time (#gpab)The Grande Prairie Regional Safety Committee (GPRSC) held a presentation at Peace Wapiti Academy on May 4, 2011. This is their first annual North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) week presentation. The Grande Prairie Regional Safety Committee, is the regional representative of the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA), their mandate is to promote workplace safety in the Peace Region.A plaque was presented to Peace Wapiti Academy to commemorate their commitment to training our youth in safety in the workplace prior to entering the workforce. A partnership between Peace Wapiti Academy and the GPRSC was formed about 6 years ago. Johanna Uhl a member of the GPRSC has trained approximately 180 students in that time. Students of Peace Wapiti Academy involved in work experience, taking shop classes, or enrolled in the RAP program were encouraged to attend the presentation, which included a serious discussion about the rights and responsibilities of young workers today. The discussion was facilitated by Robin Peterman, a volunteer for the GPRSC and Safety consultant for Break Through Safety. During the event 2 local companies were recognized for their commitment and innovation in safety today. Lee’s Sheet Metal was presented with the ACSA Large Employer Trailblazer Award, and NorthStar Energy Services was presented with the ACSA Trailblazer Award for Medium employers. Alison Pitcher Account Manager for Acklands Grainger donated Peace Wapiti Academy with some much needed personal protective equipment, and made a commitment to assist the school with future needs to protect their students. “Overall the day was very successful” Kelley Pettigrew, Chair for the GPRSC stated. “The message we wanted to relay to the students was to recognize that there are companies that care about their safety, and to realize that no matter how new they are at a job, they have an important part to play in staying safe, and assisting in keeping others safe. Many young workers today feel if they speak out at a new job they will be fired, or look stupid, it is very important when we send our youth out to work that they understand that refusing unsafe work, correcting hazardous conditions, asking questions when they don’t understand a work process, participating in a company’s overall safety program will help to prevent them from being injured or even fatally wounded while at work. There a a great deal of resources available for young workers and parents on the Occupational Health and Safety website as well as the WCB website, I highly encourage parents and young workers to visit those sites prior to starting work.” http://employment.alberta.ca/SFW/5369.html or www.wcb.ab.ca/workers/heads_up_young_info.asp |