WSIB contest rewards young workers who work safe this summer

Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is giving young workers a chance to showcase their health and safety knowledge for a chance to win daily and weekly cash prizes through the #PracticeSafeWork Twitter contest.
Young workers in Ontario between the ages of 15 to 24 are being called on to submit pictures demonstrating their safe work practices using the hashtag #PracticeSafeWork. The social media contest will run through until Sept. 2.

New and young workers are three times more likely to be injured during their first month of work than at any other time.

"Young worker health and safety is everyone's business and educating young workers about health and safety in the workplace is critical to reducing and eliminating injuries and fatalities," said Elizabeth Witmer, chair, WSIB. "We must keep raising awareness of the need to keep our workplaces healthy and safe."

This social campaign launches on the heels of the Ministry of Labour's annual young worker summer safety blitz. Together, the WSIB and Ministry of Labour are hoping to consolidate efforts to make Ontario a safer place for young workers; noting that promotion of safe practices and job site education for young workers is integral.

Contest participants are encouraged to garner support from their employer and peers on the job — and to be particularly safe and vigilant about taking and sharing photographs while working.