WCB and Department of Education Focus on Youth Health and Safety - January 2002

The Workers Compensation Board is working with the Department of Education to launch a program that will integrate occupational health and safety principles into the kindergarten to grade twelve school curriculum on Prince Edward Island. On average, one young worker between the ages of fifteen and twenty four is hurt on the job everyday in Prince Edward Island.

Workers Compensation Board’s Youth Education Coordinator, Wendy McIsaac, explained that “working with the Department of Education to create and integrate health and safety resources into provincial curriculum is a significant step towards increasing knowledge and awareness among students. Young people are the workers of the future and it has been shown that education reduces the rate of accidents at work. It is important that we incorporate health and safety resources into kindergarten to grade twelve curriculum because the actions a person takes at work are largely the result of attitudes and knowledge acquired at home and at school.”

Frank Hennessey, the Director of English Programs for the Department of Education, is optimistic about the integration of occupational health and safety principles in the school system. “The department of Education supports this initiative because ultimately it will help prevent young people from getting hurt or killed at the workplace. The curriculum is currently in the midst of going through changes and improvements and so the integration of OHS principles is timely and appropriate.”

The Chair of Workers Compensation Board, Jim Lee, said “the focus on youth education is part of Workers Compensation Board’s effort to reduce workplace injuries. Educating our youth about occupational health and safety will help create a workplace on Prince Edward Island where safety is a way of life.”

For more information contact Mark Barrett:

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