P.E.I.’s WCB unveils 2022 Safe Youth Award winners
December 8, 2022
By
OHS Canada
Tessa MacKinnon (left), a summer student with Souris Wildlife; and Lauren Smith, a summer student with Maritime Electric, won the 2022 Safe Youth Award from P.E.I.’s WCB.
Prince Edward Island’s Workers Compensation Board (WCB) has named the winners of its 2022 Safe Youth Awards.
The award, which comes with a $500 cash prize, were given to two young people who “came to value the importance of workplace health and safety by learning from coworkers, reflecting on possible consequences and using that knowledge to make good decisions.”
Winner one: Lauren Smith, Maritime Electric
“Each day of my summer employment, I made the choice that I would rather spend a few minutes on preventative measures than spend weeks or months rehabilitating from an injury,” said Lauren Smith, summer student with Maritime Electric, who received the award in the 15-19 years of age category.
“A coach and teacher of mine in high school always said ‘safety never takes a holiday’ and that has also stuck with me. It makes me value safety not only in the workplace but also in every aspect of my life.”
Winner two: Tessa MacKinnon, Souris Wildlife
“Each work day brought a variety of tasks and that comes with the need to be safe in each task we do, whether it be running a chainsaw or being in a canoe,” said Tessa MacKinnon, summer student with Souris Wildlife, who received the award in the 20-24 years of age category. “In order to enjoy my summer job, safety had to be a top priority and my employer had that covered.”
Both Lauren and Tessa’s employers noted that the young people were diligent in modeling safety practices, used and maintained their personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times and were keen on taking part in hands-on safety training.
Highest risk of injury
Danny Miller, director of occupational health and safety, said young workers aged 15 to 24 are among the highest groups for workplace injury.
“It’s important for everyone – employers, coworkers, parents and teachers – to support young people when they enter the workforce,” said Miller. “Young workers, like all workers, can contribute to a culture of workplace safety by asking questions, pointing out hazards and encouraging others to work safely.”
