Young Workers

Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island

Young Workers

Did you know that young workers, aged 15-24, are among the highest risk groups for workplace injury?

It is important for everyone - young workers, employers, coworkers, parents and teachers - to understand the importance of workplace safety. The WCB has information and services to help.

The Work Out Loud campaign provides tips for you, as a young worker, to own your safety at work and make a safe place for everyone around you.
Resources are available for you, as an employer of young workers to support, train and supervise your young workers to do their jobs safely.
The WCB offers youth education services to provide training and education to anyone with a stake in young worker safety. We also provide resources for teachers and additional support in the form of in-person delivery of classroom presentations and workshops.

September 28, 2021

Two PEI Youths Recognized for Excellence in Workplace Safety

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is pleased to announce that Elliot Fraser and Martina Ellis are the recipients of this year’s Safe Youth Award. The award, along with the $500 prize is presented annually to Prince Edward Island youth who demonstrate an understanding of occupational health and safety (OHS) principles, and take the initiative to apply them in their workplaces.“By rewarding young people today for working safely, we are striving toward safer workplaces for tomorrow,” said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board. “Seeing safety values being not only embraced but promoted in the next generation of workers is truly noteworthy.” Elliot Fraser secured the Safe Youth Award in the age 15-19 category and is being recognized in his role as a summer student with Environmental Industrial Services Inc. Elliot’s supervisor attributed the key to his success as “his ability to quickly learn and follow the many safety protocols, his ability to apply previously learned knowledge and experience to his workplace, and commitment to asking questions continually in order to acquire new understanding of hazards and hazard control.”Martina Ellis, the recipient in the age 20-24 category, is an Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant with Health PEI. Martina demonstrates her OHS understanding and initiative as an active member of the OHS Committee, trains employees on TLR (transfers, lifts, and repositioning), has taken "train-the trainer" courses, and regularly holds education sessions for staff at her workplace. Martina made specific mention of the challenge often faced by employees in long-term care, which is to remember to take care of their own health; she pointed out the importance of refresher training to remind employees of their right to proper training and support in their work.“There are unique safety challenges across industries and our youth safety champions provide excellent examples of the many ways people can contribute to their workplaces,” said Cheryl Paynter, CEO of the Workers Compensation Board. “We’re so pleased to recognize these youth who continue to promote health and safety in workplaces across the Island.”For more information about educating young workers about workplace safety, visit the Workers Compensation Board website at http://www.wcb.pe.ca/Workplace/YoungWorkers or contact the WCB office at 902-368-5680 or 1-800-237-5049.

September 28, 2021

New WCB policy

The WCB Board of Directors has provided final for a new policy, Disclosure of Occupational Health and Safety Information (POL-161). The proposed policy provides guidelines for communication to promote workplace safety and protect sensitive information. Thank you to all stakeholders who provided feedback in the policy development process.

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Guide to Joint Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees