Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) Announces Release of OSH Fatality Reports database on the Web

HAMILTON, September 30, 2002 - The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), today announced the release on the web of the Fatality Reports database, a unique collection of information regarding work-related fatalities. As a free public service to Canadians, the online Fatality Reports database provides insight into the circumstances and causes surrounding occupational fatalities. Included in this collection are reports from Coroner's inquests and inquiries emanating from many jurisdictions across Canada.

Visit http://ccinfoweb.ccohs.ca/fatality/search.html to access Fatality Reports on the Web.

As an online, easily-searchable database, Fatality Reports allows Canadians from many jurisdictions and industrial sectors to find out how work-related fatalities may have been prevented, in order to avoid future reoccurrences. For example, the database contains hundreds of Farm Safety Association of Ontario fatality reports. As well, many of the reports originate from the construction, mining and logging industries.

As a training tool, students and professionals can use Fatality Reports to study accident analysis. Reports include the accident details, the industrial sector affected, the occupation of the deceased and recommendations resulting from the inquest.

Providing a wealth of information, the database provides greater awareness of circumstances involving dangerous equipment, unsafe work practices and working conditions. Recommendations resulting from inquiries into work-related fatalities can lead to improved equipment design, better work practices and above all, increased consciousness of potential work hazards.

About CCOHS
Recognized internationally as an innovative and authoritative resource, CCOHS is Canada's national source for occupational health and safety information. Created in 1978 and governed by representatives of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, employers and workers, the Centre provides Canadians with unbiased and relevant information that supports responsible decision-making on health and safety issues in the workplace.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Eleanor Irwin, Manager - Marketing, Sales and Communications

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

905/572-2981, Ext. 4408

Email: eleanori@ccohs.ca