FREDERICTON (GNB) – The New Brunswick Construction Safety Association has invested $400,000 in an initiative with the provincial government and WorksafeNB to provide basic safety training in the high school system.

The association has developed an on-line training program which offers both a Safety Orientation course and a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) course to students in both English and French.

“The program has been a great success,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Marie-Claude Blais. “This training is offered to all students in Grades 10, 11 and 12. So far about 2,900 students have completed the Safety Orientation course and 3,500 students have completed the WHMIS course.”

The association is supporting the initiative not only as a civic responsibility, but as an investment with great dividends for the construction industry.

“Our association and industry partners are pleased to provide this service to our high school students,” said Roy Silliker, general manager and chief executive officer of the New Brunswick Construction Safety Association. “Starting out at this age with safety awareness will prepare them for their future requirements in the workforce.”
 
In November 2013, a memorandum of understanding was signed between WorkSafeNB, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour to enhance safety practices in schools.

“The New Brunswick Construction Safety Association is the organization that makes this all happen,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr. “This training will help students prepare for the workforce. Industry has taken it upon themselves to invest in our youth, as they are the future workforce which contributes to rebuilding New Brunswick. By working together we can improve safety for everyone, whether it is at school or in the workplace. Our government is committed to providing our youth with the educational opportunities necessary to succeed as outlined in the Labour Force and Skills Development Strategy.”

“The association has been a valuable partner in promoting safe work practices in New Brunswick,” said Gerard Adams, WorkSafeNB president and chief executive officer. “Promoting safety at the high school age level can ingrain good work habits that will follow students throughout their careers.”


12-12-13