The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) would like to recognize high school students from across the province who participated in this year’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Leadership Program. A total of 24 students from 10 English schools and 2 French schools successfully completed this year’s program, which ran from October to May.

“We love to see these young students interested and engaged in conversations around safety,” explains Stuart Affleck, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board. “This program helps provide young people with the skills and confidence to become leaders and to educate others and promote safe work practices.”

Students in Gr.11 or 12 can apply to participate in the program, with two students selected from each school. Students attend an Orientation Day in October, and then become “safety leaders” for their school. To complete the program, each team must hold a minimum number of educational events before the end of the school year. Those students who complete the program receive $500 at the end of the school year, along with a certificate of participation.

Some popular events that students held at their schools this year included:  Photo booths (students dressed up in safety equipment and pictures were later posted to social media); safety tips (over the announcements or social media); and classroom presentations (where the leaders gave presentations on OHS to several classes in the school).

Some of the things that this year’s leadership students had to say about the program:

“We not only had the opportunity to educate others, but to further educate ourselves, as well.”

“We thought we knew almost everything about workplace safety. Once we began researching ideas and facts to include in our events, we soon realized how much there was that we didn’t know!”

“I learned not only about health and safety, but also marketing and management techniques.”

 “We’ve already been encouraging some of our friends in lower grades to get involved next year!”

For more information about the OHS Leadership program, visit www.wcb.pe.ca/Workplace/YoungWorkers or contact Clare Waddell, Youth Education Consultant with the WCB at cbwaddell@wcb.pe.ca.