August 11, 2009 – HALIFAX, NS – A bucket, a ladder and a nail caught the judges' attention at the annual communications awards presented by the American Association of State Compensation and Insurance Funds (AASCIF). The three objects have starring roles in the WCB’s latest marketing campaign which was named Best of Show today in Portland, Maine.

Workers' compensation organizations throughout Canada and the United States, including large jurisdictions like New York, California and Texas are members of AASCIF. The association’s communications awards recognize the most effective and creative communications programs in the North American industry.

The campaign, also a first place winner in the External Communications Campaign category, includes television ads featuring stories of safety hazards that are being ignored. A protruding nail, a misplaced bucket and a broken ladder are literally calling out for someone to do something about them before they cause an injury. The television ads were produced in partnership with the Workplace Health Safety and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Workers’ Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island.

"These ads mark an important shift in our social marketing campaign, from raising awareness to inspiring action," said Mary Kingston, Director of Communications. "With an injury occurring in the province about every 15 minutes Nova Scotians need to do something – no matter how small – to prevent the human suffering associated with workplace injury."

The campaign also features radio, print and online ads as well as an interactive website, www.worksafeforlife.ca where workers and employers can take safety into their own hands in an innovative environment that includes customizable workplace posters, downloads and e-cards based on safety and return to work messages.

This is the second time the WCB has won Best of Show at AASCIF. In 2006 it received the honour for its campaign targeting young workers.

"Winning awards is always exciting, but the true measure of success comes from results," said Kingston. "Our research shows that more Nova Scotians feel they can do something to make their workplace safer and fewer Nova Scotians believe workplace injuries are an inevitable part of life. That's something worth celebrating."

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.

For more information, please contact:

Julie Trites Communications Advisor
Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia
902-491-8103
902-220-0616 (cell)
julietrites@wcb.ns.ca