May 5-11, 2013, is North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week, raising awareness of the importance of injury prevention and safety in the workplace, at home and in the community.  During NAOSH Week, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) encourages all employers, workers and Islanders to consider their safety and the safety of those around them in all that they do. 

The Steps for Life Walk on May 4, 2013, in Charlottetown marked the beginning of NAOSH Week on Prince Edward Island. Over one hundred people participated in the event to raise funds for Threads of Life, the national charity dedicated to helping families who have suffered the consequences of occupational fatalities, injuries and illnesses.

“The Steps for Life Walk is the perfect event to kick off NAOSH Week, by showing support for families affected by workplace tragedy,” said Nancy Guptill, Workers Compensation Board Chair.  “They remind us why occupational health and safety is so important and inspire us to do all that we can to keep each other safe.

The WCB has a variety of resources to assist Islanders with safety matters at work, including safety workshops, videos, posters and workplace guides. For more information, visit the Safe Workplaces section of the WCB website or contact WCB Occupational Health & Safety at 902-368-5697 or 1-800-237-5049.

The May 4th Steps for Life Walk  was the kick- off event for North American Occupational Safety and Health Week on PEI. At the flag-raising were (from left),  Charlottetown Deputy Mayor Stu MacFadyen; Alan McCormick from Cavendish Farms; Charlottetown MP Sean Casey; Minister of Environment, Labour and Justice, Janice Sherry; and Workers Compensation Board Member, Margaret Stewart.