The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) congratulates Jeremy Koughan of Springvale, as he represents Prince Edward Island in the workplace safety event at the Skills Canada National Competition in Edmonton, May 13-16, 2012.  Koughan, a Grade 12 student at Bluefield High School, was the workplace safety gold medalist at the provincial Skills Canada competition held in March. 

Workplace safety participants compete in a timed hazard assessment event, present on a safety topic of their choosing and are tested on their knowledge of occupational heath and safety theory.  Koughan’s award-winning presentation at the provincial competition was on the safe use of ladders at work.  When not used properly, ladders are a frequent cause of workplace injury. 

 “Safety on the job is so important, and a mistake can change your life,” Koughan said. “Why take the risk of getting hurt?”

Koughan first became interested in workplace safety when he was approached by his teacher, Leo McDonald. With the assistance of McDonald and WCB Youth Education consultant, Clare Waddell, Koughan is training to cultivate his workplace safety skills.  In addition to his success at Skills Canada, Jeremy has gained valuable safety knowledge that he uses at his job with Bill Koughan’s Autobody.

“We’re so proud of Jeremy’s accomplishments, and wish him all the best in the national event,” said Nancy Guptill, Workers Compensation Board Chair. “He is a role model for safety for workers of all ages.”

Information about young worker safety, including the new resources for high school teachers, is available in the Safe Workplaces section of the WCB website.  Anyone with an interest in learning more about safety for young workers is encouraged to contact Clare Waddell, WCB Youth Education Consultant at 902-368-6357 or 1-800-237-5049.

Jeremy Koughan (second from right), gold medalist at the PEI Skills Canada Competition, demonstrates

the importance of workplace safety. With Mr. Koughan are: (from left) Tawna MacLeod, Skills Canada;

Nancy Guptill, Workers Compensation Board (WCB) Chair; and Clare Waddell, WCB Youth Education Consultant.