CME launches the Manufacturing and Processing Safety Sector Council

St. John’s, NL - OCTOBER 31, 2019

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) is creating the Manufacturing and Processing Safety Sector Council (MPSSC) in Newfoundland and Labrador. CME will receive $1.5 million in funding over five years by WorkplaceNL. This initiative will bring together employer and labour representatives in the industry in order to reduce and prevent incidents and to jointly oversee the council, including a sub-committee for fish.

At 3.1 per 100 workers, the manufacturing sector had the highest lost-time incident rate due to workplace injury or illness of any sector in the province in 2018. At 2.2 per 100 workers, the fish processing sector was also higher than the provincial rate of 1.6. Together, these sectors had workplace injury claims that cost $13.4 million in 2018, and $53.7 million in the past five years.

CME brings its expertise acquired from its longstanding delivery of the Manufacturing Productivity Program and feedback from manufacturers. This expertise includes training and a “Learn by Doing” approach with coaching, guiding and mentoring support which will be paramount to achieve MPSSC goals.

CME and the MPSSC will take a systematic methodology, including the leadership and cultural aspects, that contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of safety services. “CME, in partnership with the MPSSC, is looking forward to the planning, development, implementation and maintenance of safety systems. The primary goal is to reduce workplace injuries and improve health and safety for the manufacturing sector,” said David Haire, CME VP, NL. “We are looking forward to working with the other NL Safety Councils to share best practices and lessons learned from their sectors.”

CME thanks the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister Responsible for Workplace NL; and Dennis Hogan, CEO, Workplace NL; for their financial support along with Richard Alexander, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Employers Council; Mary Shortall, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour; and the MPSSC for their past, present and future support and inputs. CME and the MPSSC will seek best practices and industry partners in Health and Safety within the province and the country to avoid over processing while providing value to the sector.

Quotes

Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL

“This investment in the occupational health and safety of workers and employers in the manufacturing and processing industries will help create safer and more productive workplaces and communities in our province,” said the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL. “We are always focused on worker safety in an effort to help ensure individuals return home safely to their families and loved ones each day.”

Dennis Hogan, CEO, WorkplaceNL

“WorkplaceNL is pleased to work with industry stakeholders, including labour and employers, to positively influence health and safety cultures as well as attitudes on early and safe return-to-work practices in manufacturing and processing facilities throughout our province,” said Dennis Hogan, CEO, WorkplaceNL. “These industry experts can best facilitate training and programs to address hazards specific to their workplaces.”

Mary Shortall, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour is pleased with this announcement of support and commitment to the Manufacturing and Processing Safety Sector,” stated President Mary Shortall. “There are over 8,000 workers engaged in this industry. We know there is a real need to build a strong safety culture and to better prevent serious injuries and occupational illness in both manufacturing and fish processing. We are fully committed and ready to help with this work.”

Richard Alexander, Employers’ Council Executive Director

“Employers in the manufacturing and processing sector care greatly about the safety of their employees,” said Richard Alexander, Employers’ Council Executive Director. “The Employers’ Council, CME, the Association of Seafood Producers and other employer representatives have been committed to establishing a Manufacturing & Processing Safety Sector Council for many years. We are incredibly excited to see this initiative get off the ground and give congratulations to our partners at the Federation of Labour and WorkplaceNL.”

ABOUT CME

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) advocates for and represents 2,500 leading manufacturers that operate across Canada. Manufacturing moves Canada and is the engine of the economy. Canadian manufacturers collectively employ 1.7 million Canadians and is responsible for two-thirds of Canada’s export sales. The sector is growing rapidly. In 2018, the sector reached a new all-time high of $685 billion in sales. CME advocates policies that will allow Canadian manufacturers to compete effectively in the global economy.

For more information, please call

David Haire, Vice President, NL
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
709.685.5820 | david.haire@cme-mec.ca