Deaths and Injuries Alarm Canada's Safety Professionals

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 4, 2015) -

Editors note: There is one photo associated with this press release.

Resources, training and attention is needed to reduce deaths and injuries at work. The statement from the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) was made at the national launch of North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week this morning in Saskatoon, SK.

"Despite the fact that 2 Canadians die every day at work, our nation is dangerously casual about safety," states Jim Hopkins, CSSE president. Canadian workplaces are the source of 902 deaths and 241,933 injuries in 2013 according to the Association of Workers Compensation Boards of Canada.

CSSE stresses that workplace safety is a shared responsibility between employers and employees. "A double-barrel effort returns win-win results," explains Hopkins. Safety-focused companies increase productivity with less downtime and absenteeism. Likewise, a safety-focused workforce returns home healthy and intact. "Safety is in everyone's best interest."

Safety professionals are key. In conjunction with NAOSH Week, the CSSE is releasing "Hiring a Health and Safety Practitioner", a guide for employers and occupational health and safety practitioners. This guide will serve as a valuable resource to employers when hiring a health and safety practitioner and will provide guidance to future health and safety practitioners.

Safety activities and considerations must, and in most cases do, occur daily throughout the year. The goal of NAOSH Week is to create additional focus for employers, employees and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community.

During NAOSH Week, CSSE is encouraging investment in workplace health and safety through events across the country (www.naosh.ca).

About the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering

The Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) is the largest health, safety and environmental organization for professionals in Canada. CSSE shapes the safety profession in Canada by working collaboratively with industry, governmental agencies, and other safety organizations to promote a greater awareness of health, safety, and environmental issues.

www.csse.org

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