"The statistics were interesting but what really got my attention were the real life stories like that of Mel Camilli who lost the use of his legs in a logging accident in BC at the age of 21," said Kelly Inman of Tyne Valley, just back from last week's ground breaking Ottawa conference "Youth Health and Safety in the Workplace".
Ms. Inman, 23, who works at Gulf Island Peat Moss in Foxley River, was one of four young people from Prince Edward Island who attended the October 15-18 event. Also attending were Carol Anne Duffy, CEO of the Workers Compensation Board of PEI and George Stewart, Director of the Board's Occupational Health and Safety Division.
Studies show that one in five young Islanders is likely to be injured at work, and further that more than 50 per cent of accidents involving young Island workers occur during the first six months on the job.
"More than 11,000 people aged 15-24 are contributing to the workforce in this province and we want to be sure they have the information they need to keep safe at work," said WCB Board Chair Hon. James M. Lee. WCB is actively encouraging safety in the workplace and has undertaken to support initiatives like last week's Youth Health and Safety Conference. The PEI Board is also working with the Department of Education to introduce safety education programs into Island schools.
"Employers will support any program that teaches young people entering the workforce to be safety conscious," said Ann Worth, Chair of the WCB Employers Committee (and Executive Director of the PEI Food and Beverage Processors Association). " This is important and employers are behind it 100 per cent.
The four young Islanders who were in Ottawa last week couldn't agree more. According to Kelly Inman, "Young people need to be a lot more aware of what it takes to be safe on the job and this awareness should start in school."
For more information contact George Stewart, Director of Occupational Health and Safety Division, Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island at 902-368-5562.