HAMILTON, ON (May 5, 2008) – The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) announced the three recipients of this year's Dick Martin Scholarship Award during Safety and Health Week. CCOHS offers this annual, national award to post-secondary students enrolled in occupational health and safety programmes in Canada, to foster interest in the field of workplace health and safety.

CCOHS awarded the $3000 scholarship to Dailaan Shaffer, British Columbia, Jeffrey Getz, Alberta and Heather Ryner, Ontario. Each of the recipients expressed an interest in understanding more about occupational health and safety that could improve workplace conditions and help prevent injuries and illnesses

"Each of these individuals have a unique contribution to make towards helping improve the safety and well-being of workers," said Len Hong, CCOHS President and CEO. "We strongly believe that education and knowledge can be powerful tools in creating healthy workplaces and in the prevention of injuries and illnesses. CCOHS is pleased to support Dailaan, Jeffrey and Heather in their educational endeavors in health and safety."

In the spring of 2002, CCOHS' Council of Governors established an occupational health and safety scholarship fund in the memory of Dick Martin, a pioneer of workplace health and safety in Canada. As part of the evaluation criteria for the award, applicants submitted essays on topics related to their area of study in occupational health and safety and were judged on their knowledge of the subject matter.

For further information contact:
Eleanor Westwood
Manager of Communications
CCOHS
905.572.2981 X4408
eleanorw@ccohs.ca