WCB Hosts 10th Annual Workplace Health and Safety Conference

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is holding its 10th Annual Workplace Health and Safety Conference on April 17, 2009 at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown. The conference features eleven presenters who are recognized regionally and nationally for their expertise in injury prevention.

Nancy Guptill, Chair of Workers Compensation Board, said "WCB is working with employers and workers to change the perception that workplace injuries are inevitable. In 2008, 61% of Islanders surveyed believed that workplace injury is an inevitable part of life and this is an attitude or way of thinking that must change."

Guptill explained that as an example "only 42% of Islanders believe that injuries caused by drinking and driving are inevitable." She said "the difference in the way we think about the inevitability of drinking and driving accidents and the inevitability of workplace injuries is equal to the time and effort spent on education and awareness around the issues. The WCB wants the topic of workplace safety on everyone's mind, especially the idea that all workplace injuries are preventable."

This year's conference covers many topics including soft tissue injuries, WHMIS, stress management, electrical safety, supervisor responsibility and occupational health and safety management.

Carol Anne Duffy, CEO of the Workers Compensation Board, said "the conference is an important event in Prince Edward Island as it promotes workplace health and safety and provides current information for workers and employers that will ultimately prevent workplace injury."

For more information contact Mark Barrett:

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