Workplace safety is a concern for all New Brunswickers, but students are especially at risk. Last year, more than 1,000 New Brunswick workers aged 15-24 experienced a workplace injury. Since 2000, 13 New Brunswick workers aged 15-24 died as result of a workplace injury.
To help reduce the risk, WorkSafeNB, in co-operation with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, is hosting the “It’s Your Job” student video contest. The contest challenges high school students within the province to create a two-minute, original video that illustrates the importance of working safely. Prizes include cash for both students and their high schools.
Winners of the New Brunswick video contest will be automatically entered into the national “It’s Your Job” student video contest to compete against high school winners from across the country and be viewed by Canadians coast-to-coast during voting in May 2015.
“Workplace safety for students is a top priority at WorkSafeNB,” said Gerard Adams, WorkSafeNB president and CEO. “Research shows that more than half of new workers are untrained in many safety aspects of their work. This leads to injuries and, unfortunately, in some cases, death,” he said. “This contest encourages students to be proactive – to understand their rights, be aware of their working environment at all times, and take action when necessary to keep themselves and other employees healthy and safe.”
WorkSafeNB is encouraging all high school students to get involved. Links to winning videos from 2014 can be accessed through WorkSafeNB’s YouTube channel.
The deadline for entries is April 10, 2015. For contest rules and entry form, please visit youthsafenb.ca.