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.
Media Contact: Laura Steeves,
WCB Senior Communications Coordinator