October 01, 2026
2026 Safe Youth Award recipients make safety their first move
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) has named Elly Smallwood and Tanner MacLean as the recipients of the 2026 Safe Youth Award. Presented annually, the award recognizes two young workers in Prince Edward Island who have shown a strong commitment to understanding and applying Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) principles in their workplaces. Each recipient receives a $1,000 cash prize in recognition of their achievement. Elly Smallwood, a labourer at John’s Greenhouses, is the recipient in the 15–19-year age category. She prioritizes safety in her workplace by identifying and addressing potential hazards, communicating safety concerns to her employers, and asking questions when she is uncertain about her tasks. Elly consistently applies OHS principles and says that her safety-focused and supportive workplace helped her to build skills and confidence. The Safe Youth Award recipient in the 20–24-year age category is Tanner MacLean, who works as warehouse support at Kays Wholesale. Tanner demonstrates a strong understanding of OHS principles through the consistent use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe operation of workplace equipment. Tanner is also a supportive team member who teaches others how to perform tasks in a safe manner. "I'm really grateful to be recognized for working safely on the job,” Tanner said. “I’m happy to accept this award and I appreciate the support from my workplace." “Congratulations to Elly Smallwood and Tanner MacLean, our 2026 Safe Youth Award recipients,” said Danny Miller, WCB’s Director of Occupational Health and Safety. “Across the Island, there are so many young workers like Elly and Tanner, who are making safety their first move each day. In doing so, they’re helping strengthen PEI’s workplace safety culture today, and carrying that commitment forward throughout their working lives.” To learn more about the Safe Youth Award, access WCB resources, or register for fall workplace health and safety education sessions, please visit wcb.pe.ca . The WCB serves close to 6,800 employers and over 92,000 workers throughout Prince Edward Island. It partners with employers and workers in building safe and healthy workplaces and supports recovery, if an injury occurs, through the administration of the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Any serious work-related injuries and explosions must be reported immediately by calling the 24-hour Occupational Health and Safety Emergency Line at 902-628-7513. -30- For more information, contact WCB Marketing and Communications at news@wcb.pe.ca or 902-388-8671. Aussi disponible en français.
September 28, 2026
National Concussion Awareness Week
This week, September 27 to October 3, is National Concussion Awareness Week. A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that happens when the brain is shaken in the skull. A concussion can be caused by a blow to the head, a blow to another part of the body that causes the head to move suddenly, or any forceful movement of the brain. Any worker can experience a concussion, but the risk may be higher for those who work at heights, in areas where objects could strike their head, or in settings where workplace violence is more likely. Learn more about work-related concussions and prevention.
