Provincial Youth Delegate Works with WCB on National Website for Youth - February 2003

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs are working with the provincial youth delegate on initiatives aimed at reducing workplace accidents in Prince Edward Island. A key project has been the development of a new website called Job-One, a national youth health and safety resource sponsored by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). The Job-One website is a valuable resource that offers information on workers’ rights and responsibilities, real stories told by youth and family, information about job hazards, health and safety quizzes, and links to health and safety resources in other provinces.

PEI’s youth delegate, Joey Mokler, explained that his role as a member of the Cross Canada Youth Advisory Committee, includes working with the WCB on strategies that promote young worker safety in the province. “In regard to the development of Job-One, my task was to provide input concerning the format, content and design of the website. I think the final product is a website that provides an excellent resource for youth to learn about workplace health and safety in Prince Edward Island, whether they are starting work for the first time or are already on the job.”

The Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister responsible for the Workers Compensation Board, is optimistic about the creation of the youth health and safety website. He explained that “there is a real need for this resource as youth are often unaware of the daily hazards in the workplace. The facts show that on average, five young workers are injured on the job each week in Prince Edward Island. Educating our youth about workplace health and safety can turn this trend around. The Job-One website provides youth access to information that will increase awareness of the hazards in the workplace, and may even save lives.”

Jim Lee, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board, said that “the board is committed to improving workplace health and safety in Prince Edward Island.” He stated “it is important that young Islanders like Joey are playing a role in developing an online presence that promotes workplace health and safety to our youth, from coast to coast. To view the website visit www.ccohs.ca/job-one or see the link provided on WCB’s website under “health and safety” at www.wcb.pe.ca

For more information contact Mark Barrett:

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