P.E.I. campaign aims to reduce construction accidents

Construction sites across Prince Edward Island could be paid a visit by occupational health and safety officers this month.

An education and compliance initiative was launched Oct. 1, in which officers will be checking to ensure workers are wearing their personal protective equipment and following provincial safety regulations.

“Given the nature of the work in the construction industry, there is higher risk for workplace accidents,” said Stuart Affleck, chair of the provincial workers compensation board.

“We have developed a campaign that will help supervisors have important conversations about safety with their staff, which should lead to safer workplaces.”

The Construction Association of P.E.I. is partnering in the campaign.

“We all want the same thing,” said Sam Sanderson, the association’s general manager. “It’s about making sure every worker comes home safely to their family at the end of the day.”

Youths recognized

P.E.I.’s workers compensation board has also announced its annual Safe Youth Award winners.

Hannah MacLean and Michael MacKinnon were lauded for demonstrating an understanding of OHS principles and taking the initiative to apply them in their workplaces.

MacLean is being recognized for her safe work practices with the Cornwall and Area Watershed Group this past summer.

“You’re never too cool to wear safety gear,” she said in a news release.

MacKinnon has been an employee of Kent Building Supplies for several years.

“One of the most prominent hazards in my workplace is the use of equipment such as lifts and pallet jacks” he said. “This is both a hazard to workers and to customers who may be shopping at our store. It is very important to me to take every precaution when operating and working among these machines.”