McMaster continues a tradition of health & safety

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/naosh_logo.jpg” caption=”Take part in NAOSH week, April 30 – May 6″]Review, refresh, revitalize.

With those concepts in mind, McMaster staff, faculty and students are invited to participate in a wide range of North American Occupational Health and Safety Week (NAOSH) activities running April 30 – May 6 intended to promote the importance of preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

“The safety and well-being of our McMaster community continues to be a top priority for the University,” says McMaster President Peter George. “Every accident and injury is preventable. We are reaching high in our attempts to bring accident prevention to a new level.”

For Steve Fletcher, this may be his first NAOSH week in his new role as EOHSS manager here at McMaster, but 2006 marks the tenth annual year the event has been hosted on campus to raise community awareness. Fletcher has joined McMaster's Environmental & Occupational Health Support Services from St Josephs Healthcare where he spent the past five years in the Health and Safety department.

When asked what attracted him to his new position, Fletcher says, “It is gratifying to join an organization that is known in the community as a leader in quality and excellence. I've grown up in Hamilton and I'm excited to contribute my knowledge and abilities to my local University. I remember when I was about 12 years old playing road hockey in a McMaster parking lot. Security came out and politely shuffled us off the property. So now I'm back and this time I didn't bring my stick; I brought experience and skills which are what I will use to continue ensuring McMaster is an excellent employer.”

NAOSH week will be filled with training opportunities, awareness events, guest speakers and prizes. As a highlight, Thursday, May 4 will bring a vendor fair and barbecue from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. outside of Wentworth House where there will be a ballot for a chance to win a bicycle, TV, free gym membership and more. Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) members will be provide a free barbecue lunch for attending. Awards will be given out from 12:15 to 1 p.m.

“The community spirit and the enthusiastic support from organizations such as McMaster is vital to spreading the message and effectively raising awareness of health and safety during this week,” says S. Len Hong, president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Read more about the events taking place during NAOSH week at McMaster.