HAMILTON, ON (April 19, 2006) - Creating workplaces where everyone can be healthy and safe is a priority for Canadians. Every year, this commitment is renewed with a week long initiative called Safety and Health Week. From April 30 - May 6 communities and businesses throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico work to raise awareness of workplace health and safety issues and help prevent occupational injuries and illnesses. The Canadian Centre for Occupation Health and Safety (CCOHS) is offering a selection of free informational programs and calling on Canadians to get involved in Safety and Health Week.

“When people feel valued, respected and satisfied in their jobs and work in safe, healthy environments, they are more likely to be productive and committed to their work. Everyone benefits!” said Len Hong, CCOHS president and CEO. “This year's Safety and Health Week's theme of ‘Review. Refresh. Revitalize’ serves as a reminder for all of us to take stock of our workplace environments, and then work together to bring about the changes in policies and practices necessary to create healthy workplaces. We all have a stake in achieving these outcomes that will ultimately help all to thrive and benefit - employees, employers, families, communities and governments.”

In keeping with the theme, CCOHS is presenting a complimentary series of webinars running May 1-5th. The only equipment needed is a computer with speakers, and Internet access. Presentations by CCOHS’ expert staff on a variety of topics will be run at various times throughout the week. There are limited “virtual” seats available therefore early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.

The webinars can be run in boardrooms and venues as an easy and effective way for health and safety committee members, managers, supervisors and health and safety professionals to participate in the sessions. They can also serve as a platform for further discussion or an organization’s own event.

The Webinar topic schedule is listed on the CCOHS website. Topics are still being added however the following are confirmed:

OHS Best Practices (1 hour)
For almost a decade there has been a focus on 'best practices' for workplaces - as a means of improving performance in health and safety. CCOHS has undertaken a number of projects over the years to locate Best Practices on various workplace health and safety issues. CCOHS will outline key web resources, strategies to locate practices and how to share your best practices with other Canadian OH&S professionals.

Orientation Training for Workers in Canada (1 hour)
Health and safety orientation programs are required by law in Canada. They are the best opportunity to provide specific practical training to new workers and workers with new responsibilities. However, many employers in small and medium sized businesses do not have an adequate understanding of exactly what their training should cover and the best means to conduct training. CCOHS reviews the Canadian situation and some strategies to enable your organization to identify health and safety orientation needs systematically as well as how to conduct effective training.

Violence in the Workplace: Awareness (20 Minutes)
Join CCOHS for an overview of workplace violence prevention topics and practices. This webinar offers a guided tour of CCOHS’ e-course, and raises awareness of this very important issue. Violence in the Workplace: Awareness is a precursor to the other CCOHS Workplace Violence Prevention e-courses: Recognize the Risk and Take Action, and Establish a Prevention Program.

Other Activities
The Canadian launch of Safety and Health Week will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Monday, May 1, 2006. Details of the launch are available at www.naosh.ca.

Safety and Health Week is also an ideal time for organizations to enhance their knowledge of workplace safety by holding or participating in a health and safety event. These events can range from training sessions to contests to community events - anything designed to raise awareness. The North American Occupational Health and Safety Week website is chock full of ideas and resources that can be downloaded.

Visit the national Safety and Health Week website.

Registration and webinar details are available on the CCOHS website.

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