WINNIPEG, Man. – The Manitoba Truck Association stated today that it is establishing a safety association to help reduce worker injury and illness in the province’s commercial transportation industry.

The new association will work in step with SAFE Work Manitoba, a prevention organization responsible for promotion and delivery of services related to workplace injury and illness prevention.

“We recognize the significant contribution that safety associations make to their industries,” said minister of labour and immigration Erna Braun. “I applaud the Manitoba Trucking Association on taking this important step to enhance the safety and health of its industry members.”

The new safety association will develop and deliver safety and health training, programs and services for trucking companies, according to the MTA.

Jamie Hall, chief operating officer of SAFE Work Manitoba, told other industries to follow the example set by the MTA.

“We’d like to see all Manitoba businesses and all workers have access to the many positive benefits safety associations bring,” he said. “As these associations work to keep their members safe, they also give companies an opportunity to reduce their costs. We’re here to support any industry that would like to form an association.”

According to reports, each year close to 1,100 people are injured in Manitoba’s trucking industry. These injuries create an estimated $90 million annually in direct and indirect costs to the industry.