The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Service NL and Minister Responsible for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission:

Students Participate in 2013 SAFE Work Advertising Contest

Mr. Speaker, the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission has launched its annual SAFE Work Young Worker Video/Radio Ad Contest which challenges students in grades seven to 12 to create a video or radio ad to illustrate the importance of safety on the job and their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

Voting began online on May 1 to determine which of the top 10 videos will receive the Viewers’ Choice Award. Voters have until Friday, May 10 to visit the Workplace Health and Safety Compensation Commission’s web site or the SAFE Work Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook page to vote for their favourite video. The winning entry will receive $500 in cash as well as a plaque for their school.

Mr. Speaker, I am inspired by the mix of creativity and responsibility our young people demonstrate in contests such as this one. Every year, this contest brings out the very best our students have to offer and showcases the immense talent our students have.

But creativity and talent aside, I am most impressed with the safety awareness exhibited by these students. Last year’s winning videos can be found online and feature very effective reminders of the potential hazards that can arise in the workplace. These student video submissions acknowledge the importance of proper safety procedures, and the overall message is loud and clear. Safety must be top of mind.

Mr. Speaker, it is a well-known fact that young people are at greater risk for a workplace injury. Their best defence is knowing their rights and responsibilities at an early age. Contests such as this help students learn those all too important lessons in a way that is interesting to them. Arming our students with safety knowledge early will help instill safe work practices so they are prepared when they start their first job.
I wish all this year’s participants the very best of luck with their submissions for the 2013 SAFE Work Youth Video/Radio Ad Contest, and encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to go online, vote for their favourite, and learn some interesting tips to make our workplaces safer.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

2013 05 08             2:15 p.m.