TORONTO (February 29, 2016) – Today, Public Health Services and Safety Association (PSHSA) announces a charitable donation of $20,000 to support two charities focused on preventing injuries and helping those affected by workplace incidents, Parachute and Threads of Life. In recognition of the new Ministry of Labour (MOL) training standards beginning March 1, 2016 and to further prevention in Ontario, ongoing donations will also be made for each participant in PSHSA’s new MOL approved Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification training programs.

“With the new training standards in place, there is an increased focus on building strong health and safety foundations in Ontario workplaces, which makes this a great time to give back to two charities that share strongly in the commitment toward prevention,” said Glenn Cullen, VP Corporate Programs and Product Development at PSHSA. “Parachute and Threads of Life make a true difference in the lives of families affected by workplace injury and illness, and we are honoured to support them in their cause.”

Supporting this initiative ensures that workplaces have strong, functioning Joint Health and Safety Committees while, at the same time, the donation aids families affected by workplace tragedy in their healing journey and supports injury prevention programs for Canada’s youth.

“Preventable injuries kill more Canadian children than any single disease, and more youth than all other causes combined,” said Louise Logan, President and CEO of Parachute. “The donations from PSHSA will be directed to programs focused on keeping children safe at home and at play.”

“These donations will allow us to provide greater support to families who have lost income, quality of life, or even a loved one due to workplace injury or illness,” said Shirley Hickman, Executive Director of Threads of Life. “The money will go towards our peer support program for family members who are living in the aftermath of a workplace tragedy.”

From March 1 to June 30, a donation will be made on behalf of each participant who registers for PSHSA’s new JHSC Certification training courses. $20 per person will be donated for those enrolled in Certification Part 1 and $20 per person for those enrolled in Certification Part 2. For those who take advantage of the bundled offer of $700 for both Certification Part 1 and 2, PSHSA will donate $40 per person.

PSHSA’s MOL-approved JHSC Certification courses provide training on how employers and employees can work together to improve health and safety in the workplace, including recognizing hazards, setting up internal safety programs and responding to issues and complaints in the workplace. If you are interested in signing up for a JHSC training course, visit http://www.pshsa.ca/jhsc for more details.

About PSHSA
Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA) is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Labour and works with Ontario’s Public and Broader Public Sector employers and workers, providing training, consulting and resources to reduce workplace risks and prevent occupational injuries and illnesses. Follow us on Twitter @PSHSAca or visit our website pshsa.ca.

About Threads for Life
Threads of Life brings hope and healing to Canadian families who have been affected by a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease. It is a national charity connecting more than 2,300 family members through one-on-one peer support, links to community support services, and the opportunity to take action to help prevent similar tragedies to other families.

About Parachute
Parachute is a national charity helping Canadians stop the clock on preventable injuries. The injury impact is staggering. Preventable injuries are the #1 killer of children. They cost the Canadian economy $27B a year, and worst of all, one child dies every nine hours. Through education, knowledge and empowerment, Parachute is working to save lives and create an injury-free Canada. For information, visit us at parachutecanada.org, follow us on Twitter, or join us on Facebook.