Charlottetown, PEI, October 6, 2025– The Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island (WCB) is joining organizations across the country in recognizing Fire Prevention Week, which takes place October 5–11, 2025, because fire safety is workplace safety.

During Fire Prevention Week, employers and workers are encouraged to conduct a hazard assessment to make sure fire hazards are well identified, assessed and controlled at their workplaces and worksites.

Ongoing extreme drought conditions here on Prince Edward have created additional risks for fires in workplaces, especially in outdoor and agricultural settings. Everyone should stay alert to fire hazards from dry conditions or from everyday workplace activities.  

 The WCB reminds employers to:

  • Download the free  Guide to Performing a Hazard Assessment to help them identify, assess and control workplace hazards, like fire related hazards.
  • Make sure fire extinguishers are present, accessible, and regularly inspected in the workplace.
  • Maintain equipment and machinery according to manufacturer standards to avoid malfunctions that could cause fires.
  • Keep equipment and machinery free of dust, debris, and flammable buildup.
  • Store fuels and other flammable liquids and products away from heat sources.
  • Make sure to only have designated outdoor smoking area which must be 4.5 meters (15 feet) from any entrance or any outdoor air intake for the indoor non-smoking areas.
  • Provide training so workers know what to do in the event of a fire at their workplace.

“Fire safety is workplace safety,” said Danny Miller, the WCB’s Director of Occupational Health and Safety. “The recent extreme drought conditions across the Island are a clear reminder that it only takes a spark for a fire to spread quickly. Taking proactive steps, like keeping equipment clean and fire extinguishers in working order, can prevent work-related injuries and save lives.” 

The WCB serves close to 6,800 employers and over 92,000 workers throughout Prince Edward Island. It partners with employers and workers in building safe and healthy workplaces and supports recovery, if an injury occurs, through the administration of the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Serious work-related injuries and explosions must be reported by calling the 24-hour Occupational Health and Safety Emergency Line at 902-628-7513.

More info: WCB PEI