Grade 12 student, Jeremy Koughan, was the recipient of the first annual Safety Matters Award at the Bluefield High School Graduation Ceremony, held June 22, 2012. The award recognizes the achievements of a student who has demonstrated excellence in the understanding of the principles of occupational health and safety, as well as the leadership, enthusiasm and ability to communicate these principles. 

This year marks the inauguration of the award, bestowed by the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Prince Edward Island, which was inspired by Koughan’s gold medal safety performances at the Skills Canada competition at both the provincial and national levels. 

“Working safely prevents injuries and saves lives,” said Nancy Guptill, WCB Chair. “Jeremy’s dedication to workplace safety is the type of heroic behaviour the WCB hopes to perpetuate with the establishment of this award.”

The Safety Matters Award will be awarded each year to a secondary student who demonstrates excellence in workplace safety though safety competitions, occupational health and safety assignments, or safe work practices in Island workplaces. Each year, one Prince Edward Island graduating student will be chosen to receive this $500 award to be used toward further training or education.

Information about the criteria and eligibility for the 2013 Safety Matters Award will be announced in the fall. To learn more about safe workplaces, visit www.wcb.pe.ca or contact the Workers Compensation Board at 902-368-5680 or 1-800-237-5049.  

 
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Safety Matters Award recipient, Jeremy Koughan, on the podium at the 2012 Skills Canada National Competition in Edmonton.    ~ photo courtesy of Skills Canada Prince Edward Island