Canada's power sector reports record lows in occupational injuries

Canadian Utility Safety Awards honor electric utilities advancing workplace safety, occupational health, and injury prevention across Canada, with record-low lost-time injuries and strong compliance culture supported by CEA partnerships and risk management initiatives.

The Canadian Electricity Association CEA recognized numerous Canadian electricity utilities and their front-line employees at the 2013 Occupational Health and Safety OHS Awards last night in Ottawa. Each year, CEA tracks the safety record of its corporate utility members. The annual OHS Awards recognize the top performers.

“I commend the winners of this year’s Occupational Health and Safety Awards, including the President's Award of Excellence recipients across Canada, for making Canada a safer place to work and live,” said the Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch. “The Government of Canada is committed to a safe, healthy and productive workforce, including through its investment in the electricity sector to support training and innovation. Occupational injuries and illnesses, and related employee lost-time injuries, are at a record low across the country.”

Utilities recognized for safety excellence included Columbia Power Corporation, ENMAX Corporation, TransCanada, Yukon Energy Corporation, Ontario Power Generation Inc., Nova Scotia Power Inc., and Saskatoon Light & Power, while a Mississauga utility reached an electrical safety milestone that highlights ongoing progress.

While the Canadian electricity industry is faced with infrastructure renewal and skilled workforce shortages, employee safety remains a paramount priority, with recognized leadership in worker safety across the sector. CEA’s Occupational Health & Safety program provides a member-driven forum for health and safety professionals to develop strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives focused on improving the overall safety performance of the electric utility industry, where the City of Medicine Hat Electric Utility has been recognized for health and safety excellence.

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