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WorkSafeBC and Canadian Cancer Society in partnership at home shows across B.C.
Richmond, B.C., February 12, 2009 — WorkSafeBC and the Canadian Cancer Society have partnered to offer information and advice on health and safety issues affecting work, home, and community at the BC Home & Garden Show, February 18 - 22, 2009 at BC Place Stadium.
“Whether you are using equipment and tools at work or while renovating or gardening at home, taking precautions to keep yourself safe and healthy should be a top priority,” said Al Johnson, WorkSafeBC Regional Director. “We are pleased to share what we know at this home show and others around the province this spring alongside the Canadian Cancer Society.”
Asbestos exposure is a serious health issue that may be a concern at work or home. Of the 139 work-related fatality claims accepted by WorkSafeBC in 2007, 71 were the result of occupational disease mainly from exposure to asbestos. In older homes, there may be building materials such as insulation, floor tile or old linoleum that might contain asbestos — when disturbed as a result of renovation work, potential sources of asbestos exposure can result.
“We can all play a role in creating healthy environments and the Canadian Cancer Society can provide information on how you can limit your exposure to potential cancer-causing substances,” said Sue MacPhail, Health Promotion Coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society Greater Vancouver.
An Ipsos Reid survey conducted on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society in February 2008, found that the majority of British Columbians were open to alternative pesticide practices. More than 8 in 10 respondents with a lawn or garden stated they would be likely to try alternative practices instead of chemicals or pesticides if they were provided with information and tips on how to do so. “We invite you to visit us at the home show where will have tips on gardening with natural alternatives to pesticides,” says MacPhail.
At booth #1148 information will be available to homeowners, employers, workers, and the general public including:
- cancer-causing substances in the environment and what you can do to reduce your risk of cancer
- building pesticide free communities – choosing a garden without pesticides
- potential sources of asbestos-containing materials and where they might be found at work or home
- noise levels of common household tools such as an electrical drill or power saw and how to protect your hearing
- living tobacco-free at work, home and in your community
- checking that your general contractor is registered with WorkSafeBC
- ladder safety tips
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
WorkSafeBC is an independent provincial statutory agency governed by a Board of Directors that serves about two million workers and more than 200,000 employers. WorkSafeBC was born from the historic compromise between BC’s workers and employers in 1917 where workers gave up the right to sue their employers and fellow workers for injuries on the job in return for a no-fault insurance program fully paid for by employers. WorkSafeBC is committed to safe and healthy workplaces and to providing return-to-work rehabilitation and legislated compensation benefits.
Note: These are the findings of an Ipsos Reid telephone poll conducted on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society between February 5 and 17, 2008. The poll is based on a randomly selected sample of 3,200 adult (18+) British Columbians. Of this, 600 interviews were conducted with a representative B.C.-wide sample. The remaining 2,600 interviews were distributed evenly across 13 oversample communities. With a sample of this size, the results on the B.C.-wide survey (n=600) are accurate within +/- 4.0 percentage points 19 times out of 20. Results for each oversample (n=200) are accurate to within +/- 6.9 percentage points 19 times out of 20.
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For more information, contact: |
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| Gladys Johnsen |
Kristine Carrick |