Avoiding accidents at work
Wed May 21, 2008

By: By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- There really are no accidents in Ontario's workplaces, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board chairman told Pickering council.

Steven Mahoney presented the Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter to council Monday night after Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson and Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley introduced a motion that council adopt it. Council did so unanimously and Mayor Dave Ryan signed it at the meeting.

"It's a sober message, a somber one, but one we think needs to be told and it needs to be told in every municipality," Mr. Mahoney said.

Mr. Mahoney, a former municipal councillor in Mississauga, explained how important it is that Council be aware of the importance of safety in the workplace. The charter clearly states engaging senior leadership is fundamental to ensure real change occurs in eliminating workplace injuries. By adopting the charter, council made a commitment to actively participate in a community that engages employee physical, social and mental well-being in all employment sectors in the community.

Mr. Mahoney explained each hour, about 40 workplace accident claims are filed, and also showed a WSIB commercial of a cook slipping on grease and badly burning herself.

"Some of you may find this graphic," he said. "But we sometimes feel we have to be graphic to get our message across."

Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean said Veridian Corporation will soon celebrate its two millionth hour without a workplace accident. Mr. Mahoney said he hopes more places throughout Ontario can achieve such a milestone. The City of Pickering actually pays little in health and safety premiums, he said.

Coun. Johnson said he hopes "sooner rather than later we'll get this charter adopted by Regional council as well."

Mr. Mahoney asked that the charter be displayed in a prominent area, and Mayor Ryan suggested it go to various City facilities throughout Pickering.

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