Today the Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) was pleased to have the Honourable Steve Ashton, Minister Infrastructure and Transportation officiating the launch of the Manitoba Trucking Industry Safety Program. Other guests in attendance were the Honourable Erna Braun Minister of Labour and Immigration, Jamie Hall COO of SAFE Work Manitoba, Winston Maharaj President and CEO of the Manitoba Workers Compensation Board, the Manitoba Trucking Safety Council and other guests.
During her address Minister Braun told those in attendance ‘œI applaud the Manitoba Trucking Association on taking this important step to enhance the safety and health of its industry members”.
Jamie Hall Chief Operating Officer of SAFE Work Manitoba advised that ‘œThe new safety program will promote sound safety and health practices, and provide leadership in advancing a culture of safety in the trucking industry. It will develop and deliver safety and health training, programs and services for trucking companies”.
MTA President Greg Arndt stated ‘œI’d like to recognize all those in our industry for understanding the need for better safety tools and training and agreeing to support a trucking safety program for all. I believe it speaks volumes about the Manitoba trucking industry that we came together so readily on this item.”
Jeff Odway, the Chair of the Manitoba Trucking Industry Safety Council said ‘œit is our council’s mission to help guide a program that provides employers and workers in the trucking industry with accessible expertise, training and other supports that will assist them to create healthy, safe, productive workplaces and in an integrated culture of safety”.
The event also introduced the safety program’s official name: RPM Trucking Industry Safety. It was noted that while ‘œRPM” has many connections to the trucking industry its connection to the Manitoba trucking safety program is that is also an acronym for ‘œRisk. Professionally Managed“. All were advised that this statement outlines the program’s approach to safety through risk management principles and a commitment to maintaining high professional standards.