The Mother's Perspective

There are many ways in which you can talk about workplace safety. You can do it with statistics – how many workers are killed and injured in a year. You can talk about it in terms of legislation – what laws and regulations give workers some protection, and what additional legal measures are still needed for increased worker safety. Or you can talk about it from personal perspective – from a mother's point of view. That's what Cindy Skanderberg did at the MFL Convention.

Tragedy struck her family on December 8, 1999 when her 19-year old son Michael was electrocuted in his workplace. He was a honour student with the Basic Electrical Course from Keewatin Community College in The Pas and landed a job with Clearwater Electric. Lack of safety training and lack of on-the-job experience led to his death.

Since then, she has made it her mission in life to educate young people about the consequences of unsafe work practice. She says that young workers are now more aware of their right to say "no" to unsafe work than any other generation before them. She believes much of the credit for this change should go to Ellen Olfert and the Safe Workers of Tomorrow program.

"We are so fortunate to have these types of presentations being offered at any school in this fine province. Hats off to Ellen and her people at Safe Workers of Tomorrow for doing such a wonderful job.

"It is also heartening to see that the new laws are also making a difference in Manitoba. There has been a heightened public awareness that has been achieved through advertising and increased safety inspectors. Proper certification is required before employers or employees can fix or operate many types of equipment.

"There are many things I want you to take away from today's presentation, but most importantly, I want you to remember our son Michael. I want you to remember that in a span of a moment, a life can be lost. Continue to strive to make changes because the life you save could one day be your son or daughter."