Keep Young Workers Safe This Summer

With the summer employment season underway, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Prince Edward Island would like to remind all Islanders about the importance of workplace safety, especially for our new and young workers.

Many young workers will enter the workforce this summer, some for the first time. With the excitement and enthusiasm of starting a new job, safety may not be at the forefront of a young worker's mind. Unfortunately, workers aged 15-24 are at greater risk of being injured on the job than any other group of workers. Last summer alone, there were 47 workplace injuries involving young workers in July and August on Prince Edward Island.

"As parents, employers and co-workers, the last thing that we want to see is a young person hurt on the job. Even one incident is too many, particularly when we know that every workplace injury is preventable," said Workers Compensation Board Chair, Nancy Guptill. "The key to injury prevention is awareness, training and due diligence. Workplace safety is everyone's responsibility and extra precaution must be taken with those who may be inexperienced or uncomfortable talking about workplace safety."

In order to raise awareness and to provide tools that can be used to improve young worker safety, the Workers Compensation Board of PEI has launched the Work Out Loud - Own Your Safety campaign. Work Out Loud highlights the characteristics of young workers that can increase their risk of workplace injury - enthusiasm, creativity, high energy and a sense of fun and adventure - and refocuses these attributes toward building safer workplaces.

For more information about Work Out Loud and young worker safety, visit the WCB website at wcb.pe.ca or contact WCB Youth Education Consultant, Clare Waddell at 368-6357 or 1-800-237-5049.

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Backgrounder

• Developed in 2010 by the Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island, the Work Out Loud - Own Your Safety campaign is an injury prevention initiative targeted toward workers aged 15-24 and their employers.
• Work Out Loud encourages young workers to take charge of their workplace safety, and is built upon five tenets:
• Prep It!  Young workers are encouraged to come to work with a positive attitude, ready for work and ready to do their best.
• Say It!  Young workers are reminded to ask questions, seek direction, and make themselves heard in the workplace.
• Know It!  Young workers are advised to become informed about workplace safety and workers rights.
• Spot It!  Young workers are reminded to always be on the lookout for hazards in the workplace.
• Own It!  Young workers are encouraged to take charge of their safety and make a safe space for everyone around them.
• The Workers Compensation Board is working with Island employers, young workers, and educators to put Work Out Loud and workplace safety at the forefront.

For more information, contact Barbara Groome Wynne, WCB Communications Officer at blgwynne@wcb.pe.ca, 902-894-0362, or toll-free 1-800-237-5049.