FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2021
WorkplaceNL announces 2021 winners of Safety Educator of the Year and Safe Student awards
St. John’s, NL – WorkplaceNL is pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 Health and Safety Educator of the Year and the Safe Student Awards.
This year’s Health and Safety Educator winner is Derrick Baker, a teacher at Fitzgerald Academy in English Harbour West. The 2021 Safe Student Award winner is Ivan Sheppard-Revalls, a student at Corner Brook Regional High School.
Mr. Baker was selected for his support, commitment and dedication in building a culture of safety at his school and in his community. He incorporates health and safety into all of his courses and instills the importance of working safely in all of his students. As a member of his school’s occupational health and safety (OHS) committee, he leads by example to ensure that all students and staff have a safe environment to learn and work.
Ivan was selected as the Safe Student Award recipient for his contributions towards promoting young worker health and safety at his school. As part of his OHS 3203 high school course, he regularly shared examples of safe work practices and procedures from his family’s business with his classmates. He also incorporates health and safety into all aspects of life and has been recognized by his teachers for instilling those same values in his friends and classmates.
“I commend Mr. Baker and Ivan, and all nominees, for their efforts to build and promote health and safety practices in their schools. Congratulations to both,” said the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL. “They are creating a safe environment in which to work and learn now, and these practices will continue to serve all students well when they enter the workforce.”
“I would like to congratulate Mr. Baker and Ivan, along with all of the nominated educators and students for this year’s awards,” said WorkplaceNL CEO Dennis Hogan. “Their dedication and enthusiasm in promoting safe work practices is to be commended, and I applaud them for helping to create a positive safety culture in their schools and communities.”
Mr. Baker will receive $500, a plaque and $500 worth of health and safety equipment and supplies for Fitzgerald Academy. Ivan will receive a plaque and a $1,000 prize.
Young workers, aged 15-24 years, are typically at higher risk for injury on the job. WorkplaceNL continues to invest in programs to help youth become more aware of workplace safety and injury prevention, including the OHS 3203 high school course and the free Online Young Worker OHS Course. Young people interested in advancing their safety knowledge can also apply for the new Youth Safety Training Bursary Program.
Related Links
Online Young Worker OHS Course
About WorkplaceNL
Serving approximately 215,000 workers and 18,000 employers, WorkplaceNL administers an employer-funded, no-fault workers’ compensation system that promotes safe and healthy workplaces, provides return-to-work programs and offers compensation to injured workers and their dependents.
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Media contact:
Lynn
Robinson, Media Relations Manager
Department of Environment and Climate Change
709.729.5449 or lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca
Carla
Riggs, Director of Communications
WorkplaceNL
709.778.1590 or carla.riggs@workplacenl.ca