Providing solutions to work-related stress

Enbridge has many programs that encourage our employees to balance their work and home life. The Calgary Office Environment, Health and Safety Committee meets on a bi-monthly basis to consider a variety of workplace topics. The committee is chaired by the Manager, Corporate Administration and sponsored by the Vice President, Human Resources and Administration. The committee instigated many of the programs listed below. We distribute a monthly newsletter in the Calgary office to provide timely information.

Our LifeSpeak programs address the work-life balance challenge. Programs planned for 2007 include ‘Parents at Work’, ‘Generations at Work’, and ‘Vitality at Work’. The LifeSpeak programs provide valuable information, strategies and tips and give colleagues opportunities to share their experiences. The first guest speaker in the 2007 program discussed the topic “Connecting with Teens and Tweens”

We also hold ergonomic workshops and consulting sessions on a regular basis to provide employees with valuable information regarding the avoidance of workplace injuries.

Encouraging personal health and fitness

Enbridge offers a fitness reimbursement program at most locations to encourage employees and their families to arrange their favourite fitness activities. Enbridge shares certain costs with employees for health-related programs or equipment they may purchase for fitness activity.

At the Calgary head office, we offer yoga sessions and provide an on-site Weight Watchers program, which is eligible for the reimbursement program. Our Calgary office is also planning to participate in a local bicycle-ride event in 2007 to support multiple sclerosis charitable funding.

We also provided flu clinics for employees in the fall of 2006. At Enbridge Gas Distribution in Ontario, a record 480 employees participated in the annual workplace flu vaccination program. All staff received a "Beat the Flu Bug Bag", which included hand sanitizer, tissue, lozenges, antiseptic wipes and an information card on the importance of personal and hand hygiene etiquette. The business unit also held Lunch 'N Learn sessions about colon, breast and prostate cancer to raise awareness of the importance of screening and early intervention. In addition to the annual walk-fit challenge, employees participated in "Commit to be Fit" sessions, learning how to overcome barriers to better health and well-being through exercise.

Our United States Gas Transportation Business held their second annual Health and Safety Fair in 2006, organized to coincide with the annual physical ‘check-up’ for Houston-based employees. Through information booths and seminars, employees learned about everything from managing workplace stress and diet and nutrition, to driving, fire and home safety. Approximately 150 employees and spouses attended the fair.

Increasing health awareness among employees

Our offices in Calgary and Edmonton participated in the Partners in Injury Reduction (PIR) Program in 2006 to encourage injury prevention and the development of effective workplace programs for Alberta-based employers. The PIR program is a joint effort of Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board, Alberta Human Resources and Employment, safety associations, employers and labour groups.

All of our offices have ongoing fire warden and first aid programs. The Calgary office plans to purchase an automated defibrillator device so that it can respond more quickly in an emergency situation.

As an employment benefit, Enbridge offers critical-illness insurance to our employees in Canada on an employee-paid basis. The insurance provides a lump-sum payment to an employee in the event they are diagnosed with a critical illness where they live beyond 30 days and, therefore, require additional support and resources. Dollars paid can be used by the employee for any expenses they may have, including, for example, alternate medical care in the United States.

We offer employee assistance programs to all employees and their dependents on a confidential basis for a variety of issues that are best addressed through special, individual assistance.

Dealing proactively with emerging concerns

During 2006, Liquids Pipelines developed and implemented a public health emergency plan (PHEP). The PHEP outlines the escalating mitigation measures that Liquids Pipelines will adopt in the event of a public health emergency such as a global pandemic. To test the plan, Liquids Pipelines completed a related crisis management exercise in September 2006 based on an influenza pandemic. We are completing employee awareness and training sessions to introduce the plan across operations. The plan requires an annual assessment of response capabilities and incorporates continual monitoring of global health concerns.

In 2003, Toronto grappled with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Enbridge Gas Distribution quickly adjusted its procedures and equipment for dealing with potential infections among its customers and its employees. As a result, the business unit has relatively mature infection response and business resumption plans in place, along with a workforce that is capable and experienced at following such measures. Given recent concern over the emergence of an influenza pandemic, Enbridge Gas Distribution was called upon in 2006 by local newspapers, emergency response teams, and by the Canadian Gas Association to share its preparedness plans.

In our Calgary office, we acknowledge Earth Day annually by giving employees an appropriate gift. For example, we have given plants and gardening implements in past years.

Enbridge pays for up to five days of emergency day care per year for children of employees.

Our employees contribute to their communities as volunteers in support of a variety of causes. We acknowledge this through our Volunteer Appreciation Day, when we celebrate our employees for the important community work they do.