July 20, 2018
Island students demonstrate leadership in Workplace Safety
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) would like to recognize high school students from across the province who participated in this year’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Leadership Program. A total of 24 students from 10 English schools and 2 French schools successfully completed this year’s program, which ran from October to May. “We love to see these young students interested and engaged in conversations around safety,” explains Stuart Affleck, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board. “This program helps provide young people with the skills and confidence to become leaders and to educate others and promote safe work practices.” Students in Gr.11 or 12 can apply to participate in the program, with two students selected from each school. Students attend an Orientation Day in October, and then become “safety leaders” for their school. To complete the program, each team must hold a minimum number of educational events before the end of the school year. Those students who complete the program receive $500 at the end of the school year, along with a certificate of participation. Some popular events that students held at their schools this year included: Photo booths (students dressed up in safety equipment and pictures were later posted to social media); safety tips (over the announcements or social media); and classroom presentations (where the leaders gave presentations on OHS to several classes in the school). Some of the things that this year’s leadership students had to say about the program: “We not only had the opportunity to educate others, but to further educate ourselves, as well.” “We thought we knew almost everything about workplace safety. Once we began researching ideas and facts to include in our events, we soon realized how much there was that we didn’t know!” “I learned not only about health and safety, but also marketing and management techniques.” “We’ve already been encouraging some of our friends in lower grades to get involved next year!” For more information about the OHS Leadership program, visit www.wcb.pe.ca/Workplace/YoungWorkers or contact Clare Waddell, Youth Education Consultant with the WCB at cbwaddell@wcb.pe.ca.
July 06, 2018
Prevent Heat Stress at Work
With the first heat wave of the summer, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) and the Canadian Cancer Society, PEI division remind all Islanders to take precautions to avoid heat stress at work. Heat stress refers to a variety of heat-related disorders, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can lead to serious or even fatal injury. Symptoms may include weakness, muscle pain, light-headedness, nausea and high body temperatures. Environmental hazards such as exposure to heat, high humidity and limited air flow can cause heat stress. Contributing factors may also include the worker’s hydration level, clothing, and physical exertion. “If you are working outside this summer, it is important to be aware of the hazards so that you can take steps to control the risks and to recognize the signs of heat stress,” said Danny Miller, Director of Occupational Health and Safety.” The following preventive steps to help reduce the risk of heat stress:Drink plenty of water.Limit sun exposure (11am-4pm highest UV rays) and wear sunscreen.Cover exposed skin with loose fitting, tightly woven clothing and wear a wide-brimmed hat.Have adequate ventilation in the workplace.Take breaks in the shade or an air conditioned space, if possible.Keep everyone safe by providing adequate supervision and using a buddy system to watch for signs of heat stress in co-workers. Early detection is critical. If you experience the initial signs of heat stress, remove yourself from the environment, drink water, monitor the symptoms and advise someone in case you need further assistance or medical treatment. “Millions of Canadians are exposed to sun on the job. Outdoor workers are a greater risk of developing skin cancer than indoor workers,” said Jayna Stokes, Provincial Lead of the Canadian Cancer Society PEI. “To protect yourself, wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection, sun protective clothing, a larger brimmed hat, and a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.” More information is available in Guide to the Prevention of Heat Stress at Work at www.wcb.pe.ca. To learn more visit the WCB website or call 902-368-5680 or 1-800-237-5049. For additional information on being safe in the sun call the Canadian Cancer Society at 1-888-939-3333 or visit www.cancer.ca.
