The Hamilton Safe Communities Coalition is a dynamic partnership of community groups, safety associations, local business, education, health care, and government agencies dedicated to creating a culture focused on good health and safety. The Hamilton Safe Communities Coalition began in August of 1999 and was officially launched in January 2000. Hamilton is one of 38 designated Safe Communities across Canada.

Our mission is to make Hamilton the safest community in Canada to live, learn, work and play. Through research, education, and prevention programs we work to reduce the number of intentional and non-intentional injuries in Hamilton. We enhance the quality of life in our community by creating a culture of health and safety through partnership and public awareness.

What is a Safe Community?

A Safe Community is a community that is national designated as a Safe Community by the Safe Communities Foundation of Canada. There are currently 38 such communities in the country. Our designation means that we have the partners, the plans, and the programs to make our city safe. The Safe Communities Foundation began as a response to the tragic death of 19 year-old Sean Kells. Sean was on the third day of his part-time job when an explosion took his life. Sean's death was a preventable injury. His father Paul Kells decided to start Safe Communities to help prevent other people from being injured. The Safe Communities Foundation, along with safety experts across Canada, believes that all injuries are predicable and preventable. More information is available by visiting www.safecommunities.ca.

Background

On January 26, 2000 the Safe Communities Foundation of Canada designated Hamilton Safe Communities Coalition as a Safe Community. On February 12, 2001, Hamilton Safe Communities Council merged with the Hamilton Safety Council and maintains partnerships with Industry, Large and Small Businesses, Provincial and Municipal Agencies, Education, Safe Workplace Associations and Community Volunteers. Hamilton Safe Communities is a non-profit organization and a Registered Charity.

Hamilton Safe Communities Council is one of the three largest of 38 designated Safe Communities in Canada, along with Winnipeg and Calgary. Our designation certifies that we are committed to a proactive approach to injury prevention through research, education and prevention programs. Our goal is to make Hamilton the safest community in Canada to live, learn, work and play.

How can you get involved?

As a growing Coalition we are always welcoming volunteers of all ages to assist us with our many programs and events. We are also inviting new partners to join us in making this a safe city. There are numerous ways individuals, organizations, and businesses can get involved. Come join us!

Some of our safety programs include:

• Bikes, Blades and Boards a cycling, in-line skating and skateboarding safety program for the children in our community. This program includes in-class education, skills training and injury probability awareness.


• Cyclemania is a program aimed at 6-10 year olds. The program consists of educational training and hands on training. Hands on training consists of a 45 minute bicycle rodeo which emphases and teaches basic rules and tips for safe bicycling, riding predictably and the three basic hand signals and the importance of properly fitting and good conditioned safety equipment.


• WSIB Safe Communities Incentive Program (SCIP) encourages small businesses to improve safety in their workplaces. SCIP provides participants with safety training and resources to reduce the risk of workplace accidents. SCIP teaches small businesses how to manage a health and safety program, implement a return-to-work program and reduce costs from injury, illness, and property loss. SCIP also helps in the managing of policies and roles and responsibilities for a safe working environment. As well as encouraging participants to perform a self-evaluation of their workplace, which puts their newfound skills to use.

With generous donations, in-kind donations and grant funding HSCC is able to bring programs such as these to the Hamilton Community.