Annual walk makes health and safety personal

NEWS RELEASE

STEPS FOR LIFE

*************************
Deaths and injuries in the workplace happen across Canada every single day. They happen in this community too.

The annual Steps for Life – Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy event is a chance to put a face to workplace tragedy, and offers people a way to support these families and improve health and safety.

Joanne Wade’s son, Brent was killed when the dump truck he was driving was struck by a passenger train. This year, Joanne will serve as spokesperson for the Sault Ste. Marie Steps for Life walk.

“Each year I walk in the Steps for Life walk, in memory and honor of my son Brent Wade,” Joanne says. “I walk also for the living: those struggling each and every day with the outcome of a workplace life-altering injury or occupational disease. I walk to show my dedication, my continued commitment and belief in Threads of Life, not only for the healthy healing that it provides with its many programs, but for its influence on changing laws that are making the workplace safer for our workers."

"To our walk participants, know you are making a difference, helping increase awareness of workplace safety. A step in time saves lives. Safety is everyone’s business and begins with you."

Steps for Life is a five-kilometre walk which serves as the premier fundraiser for Threads of Life, a national charity which supports families affected by workplace tragedy.

Thirty walks will take place across Canada this spring. The Sault Ste. Marie event takes place on Sunday, May 7 at the John Rhodes Outdoor Sports Complex. Registration opens at 10 a.m.; and the walk kicks off at approximately 11 a.m.

In addition to those personally affected by fatalities, serious injuries and occupational disease, Steps for Life includes local companies which raise pledges and enter teams, in order to demonstrate their commitment to health and safety.

*************************