The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is pleased to announce that Julia Richardson is the recipient of this year's Safety Matters Award, recognizing a graduating high school student for occupational health and safety (OHS) excellence at school or in the workplace.  The award was presented to the Bluefield High School student at the WCB Annual Public Meeting held on June 27, 2016. 

 "One way to build a safety culture is to focus on the future of Island workplaces," said Stuart Affleck, Chair for the Workers Compensation Board. "The WCB places great importance on fostering young safety champions because they are our next generation of workers and employers and they have the power to impact the future."

This year's winner was a passionate, knowledgeable, all-around great student, and a great role model for her colleagues. While working at the Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association, a non-profit watershed group, she constantly applied workplace safety standards to ensure her own well-being, and that of her colleagues. Her employer describes her as someone who was eager to learn, often volunteering for additional training. Julia never hesitated to ask questions or raise concerns about work conditions that she thought had the potential to cause injury to her or her coworkers. In addition to applying OHS principles in her place of employment, Julia also used these in her volunteer activities at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Humane Society. Julia is in the final stages of completing the Gold level of the Duke of Edinburgh Program.

"We applaud Julia and the many other students who take an interest in health and safety in the workplace," said Luanne Gallant, CEO for the Workers Compensation Board. "Any effort to educate and engage others in discussions around safety will help benefit everyone."

For more information about educating young workers about workplace safety, visit the Workers Compensation Board website  or contact the WCB office at 902-368-5680 or 1-800-237-5049.

Safety Matters Award winner Julia Richardson (centre) with Workers Compensation Board Chair Stuart Affleck (left) and Chief Executive Officer Luanne Gallant (right).