SK Association for Safe Workplaces in Health 2014 Annual Report | Seite 6

M E S S A G E F RO M T H E
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The year 2014 saw solid progress. The focus was on engagement with our members to better understand their safety
needs and priorities. Our records indicate that we have connected with over 80% of our members and we have
confirmed that our current programs and services are timely, appropriate, accessible and effective. This past year over
2,400 employees received training/education services from SASWH. The evaluations from those in attendance
reported an increase in knowledge in all subject areas. The other focus this past year was to reach all employers and
employees with the message that adopting the provincial Safety Management System (SMS) will result in a strong
safety culture. As a result, this past year the healthcare industry realized a $0.06 reduction in the WCB rate
premiums for 2015. More important is that people are safer in our Saskatchewan healthcare workplaces.
Healthcare was recently challenged with the potential threat of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) reaching Saskatchewan.
SASWH, employers, employees, government and other stakeholders readily took action. SASWH’s role was in the development of a training/education program on
the ‘donning and doffing’ of personal protective equipment specific for EVD. The association took the lead on the delivery of this instructor-level training;
demonstrating our commitment to our partners to be relevant, responsive, collaborative, knowledgeable and dedicated to workplace safety. In addition, feedback from
our members over the past year signaled a need for attention on root cause analysis, investigations and inspections. We have responded to this by developing the
SASWH Incident Reporting & Investigation (Getting to the Root Cause) and Inspections training programs.
It is clear to all at SASWH that our members come first and assisting you to achieve safer workplaces is how we define our success. I remain confident that together we
will achieve a culture of safety in healthcare where safety for all remains a top priority. It’s important to keep top of mind that effective safe practices, evidence based
safety resources, collaboration, staff engagement and the building of relationships are critical to achieve success in safety. As we support one another in creating and
sustaining a culture of safety in healthcare, it will require meaningful engagement at all levels of the organization including listening to and addressing safety needs of
the workplace.
To our members, I continue to offer this assurance – we understand safety in healthcare and we want to be part of your safety conversations. This report documents
the many accomplishments in 2014 and reminds us of the efforts required to keep this momentum. SASWH is looking forward to future opportunities to collaborate
and partner with members and stakeholders to improve workplace safety.

Sandra Cripps
Chief Executive Officer