Safety Leaders Honoured at First-ever Mainstay Awards

June 18, 2009 – Halifax, NS – Nova Scotian leaders in workplace safety were recognized for their positive contribution to the province’s safety culture today at the first annual Mainstay Awards.

The Mainstay Awards, sponsored by the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) and the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Workforce Development, celebrate excellence in occupational health and safety, injury prevention and return-to-work programs.

"It's important for us to publicly recognize people who are making significant efforts to enhance the safety of workplaces in our province," said Nancy MacCready-Williams, CEO of the WCB. "These people and organizations demonstrate how safe workplaces are a reality in our province and we encourage more Nova Scotians to follow their lead."

Ten awards were handed out in five categories. The highest safety honour in Nova Scotia – the Safety Award of Excellence – went to ExxonMobil Canada for its deeply rooted and personal commitment to safety by the company’s senior management, and for creating a safety culture the extends beyond the organization and into the oil and gas and marine industries.

The awards reflect the responsibilities employees and employers both have in creating a safe work environment. Categories include the Individual Safety Champion Award and the Employer Safety Champion Award.

"Publicly recognizing the province's safety leaders is simply the right thing to do," said Margaret MacDonald, Deputy Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. "For the winners, we hope the honour will boost their employee morale and enhance their corporate reputation. But most importantly, safer workplaces mean more Nova Scotians return home safely at the end of the day.”

"This is the first year for the award program and we’re absolutely thrilled with the response," MacCready-Williams said. "I'm looking forward to seeing more people participate next year so we can continue to showcase even more of the vibrant people and businesses that are helping make Nova Scotia a safe place to work."

To learn more about the Mainstay Awards, visit www.mainstayawards.ca.

2009 Mainstay Award Winners

Safety Award of Excellence

  • ExxonMobil Canada

Safety Transformation

  • CKF Inc.

Individual Safety Champions

  • Adrian Morrison - Black & McDonald 
  • John Harroun - Weston Bakeries

Employer Safety Champions

  • Cambridge Suites Hotel, Sydney 
  • Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. 
  • ExxonMobil Canada

Employer Return-to-Work Champions

  • Harbourstone Enhanced Care 
  • CKF Inc. 
  • Northwood

Backgrounder

Winner Profiles

About the WCB: The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) is committed to keeping Nova Scotians safe and secure from workplace injury. The WCB provides workplace injury insurance for more than 18,000 employers, representing about 300,000 workers across the province. The WCB sets the standard for workplace injury insurance by informing and inspiring Nova Scotians in the prevention of workplace injury. If an injury occurs, we support those whose lives it touches by championing a timely return to safe and healthy work.

About Nova Scotia Labour and Workforce Development: Nova Scotia Labour and Workforce Development focuses on labour issues, employment rights and responsibilities, adult learning, apprenticeship training and trade qualification, skill development, public and workplace safety, industry regulation, licensing and pensions. The Nova Scotia Labour and Workforce Development also supports employers in creating safe work environments and in enforcing safety regulations in the workplace and on much of the equipment, products and services that Nova Scotians use on a daily basis.

For more information, please contact:

Julie Trites
Communications Advisor, WCB
902.491.8103
902.220.0616 (cell)
julie.trites@wcb.gov.ns.ca