WCB Launches Young Worker Awareness Poster Campaign for North American Occupational Safety and Health Week - May 2005

The Workers Compensation Board launched a young worker poster campaign as part of their North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) week activities. The two posters feature David Collins, an injured young worker, and Jo Collins, David's mother. David was sixteen years old when a workplace accident changed his life forever. He worked in the kitchen of a golf resort. While taking out the trash, he was struck by a golf cart and his back was broken.

David explained that "since my accident, I've missed out on a lot of things. My workplace accident happened in a second, but it's taken me almost two years to learn to walk again. The injuries I suffered at work have changed my life forever. I agreed to pose for a young worker awareness poster because I know from experience how a workplace accident can change a young person's life and I don't want any other teenager to go through what I've gone through. I'm hoping that when young Islanders see me on the poster, they'll also see themselves and become more aware that serious workplace injuries can happen to them."

David's mother Jo commented that "before David's accident, I as a parent, didn't realize how dangerous any workplace can be for a young person who is new to the world of work. David's accident was a devastating experience for him and our whole family. I agreed to pose for a poster because I want to help other parents to become more informed about the hazards that may exist in their child's workplace and to encourage them to talk to their children about the importance to staying safe at work."

Wendy McIsaac, Youth Education Coordinator for the Workers Compensation Board, said the "poster campaign illustrates the devastating impact workplace accidents have on both young workers and their families. The poster featuring David is designed to reinforce the fact among our Island youth that they are not invincible and that serious workplace injuries can happen to them. The second poster which features David’s mother encourages parents and caregivers to take an active role in their children's employment decisions."

McIsaac said that "David and his Mother are to be commended for their courage and commitment to help make sure other young workers are safe at work. On average, four young workers are injured seriously enough each week on Prince Edward Island to miss time from work." She explained that "part of the problem is that new and young workers are not always aware of the risks of their jobs or what steps to take to protect themselves from a workplace injury."

The posters featuring David and his Mother Jo are being distributed to safety committees and schools across the Island to raise awareness among young workers and their parents. To receive a poster or for information on young worker prevention programs contact the Workers Compensation Board or visit the website at www.wcb.pe.ca.

For more information contact Mark Barrett:

Tel: (902) 894-0362
Email: mabarrett@wcb.pe.ca