November 6, 2014. Last night, the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) celebrated the accomplishments of its member utilities and their front-line employees at the 2014 Occupational Health and Safety Awards Ceremony in Ottawa. The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, presented awards to top performing companies in the electricity sector as well as to individuals who helped save the life of a fellow employee or a member of the public.
CEA compiles data from its corporate utility members annually, noting a trend of fewer health and safety-related incidents in the workplace each year. Since 2009, there has been a 19.55% decrease in the all injury/illness frequency rate of participating electric utilities.
“Health and safety remains a paramount concern as the electricity industry sets a path for the future and builds the grid of tomorrow,” said Jim R. Burpee, President and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association. “The winners of this year’s OHS Awards have proven diligent in ensuring that electricity is delivered to Canadians in a manner that protects the safety and well-being of employees, contractors, and the general public.”
Utilities recognized for safety excellence included ENMAX Corporation, Nova Scotia Power Inc., Ontario Power Generation Inc., Capital Power Corporation, Columbia Power Corporation, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Newfoundland Power Inc., AltaLink, and Great Lakes Power. Ten front-line utility employees were also celebrated with CEA Lifesaving Awards. Each recipient heroically helped save the life of a fellow employee or a member of the public.
“Our Government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians and safe and healthy workplaces are central to this goal”, said the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism. “Through our Skills Agenda, we will work to make sure that Canadians have the skills that are in demand in today’s economy and address the paradox of too many Canadians without jobs in an economy of too many jobs without Canadians. This includes using innovative approaches like the Canada Job Grant where employers participate meaningfully as partners in the skills training system to ensure that training is better aligned with job opportunities, particularly in sectors facing skills mismatches and labour shortages.”
While the Canadian electricity industry is faced with infrastructure renewal and skilled workforce shortages, the health and safety of employees becomes critical to the vitality of the communities in which CEA’s members operate. CEA’s Occupational Health and Safety program provides a member-driven forum for health and safety professionals to develop strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives focused on improving overall safety performance of the electric utility industry.
Click here to read more about the 2014 Occupational Health and Safety Award winners.
Click here to read CEA’s report, Achieving Excellence in Health and Safety (second edition).