City of Winnipeg becoming SAFE Work Certified
Commitment will help ensure employees are safe while at work
April 26, 2019
Ensuring its employees are safe while at work is a responsibility the City of Winnipeg takes seriously. That’s why the City is in the process of becoming SAFE Work Certified.
“The SAFE Work certification process involves external audits of our workplace over the next few years,” said Kent Blackmon, Organizational Safety Services Manager.
SAFE Work is the standard for safety and health certification programs offered by industry based safety programs and associations. The certification programs are offered to help reduce workplace injuries and illnesses as well as promote a culture of safety in Manitoba.
The City committed to becoming SAFE Work Certified in April 2018 on the National Day of Mourning. The day is held to commemorate workers who have been injured or killed in the workplace as well as workers who have become ill as a result of their work. It is also a day to commit to eliminate workplace illness and injury.
Fleet Management Agency was the first City of Winnipeg department to be SAFE Work Certified.
In December 2018, Fleet Management Agency was the first to receive certification at the City.
“We are dedicated to the safe delivery of fleet services for not only our internal employees but also the City of Winnipeg as a whole,” said Doug Kafka, Fleet Management Agency’s Safety Officer.
Community Services was SAFE Work Certified in April, 2019. Through a wide range of services and programs, the department promotes healthy and safe neighbourhoods.
Community Services was SAFE Work Certified in April, 2019.
“SAFE Work Certified for us was a natural goal,” said Katie George, Community Services’ Safety Officer.
George said through the SAFE Work audit process, the department examined details of its safety plans to ensure effective systems are in place to prevent hazards.
Work is underway to have all City departments SAFE Work Certified.
“It’s a way of knowing we are doing the right things when it comes to workplace safety and health and that is a goal we can all be proud of,” said Blackmon.