June 19, 2025
WorkplaceNL announces 2025 Safe Student and Safety Educator of the Year
St. John’s, NL – WorkplaceNL is proud to announce Vanessa Earle of O’Donel High School in Mount Pearl, as the 2025 Safe Student and Kris Brown, Vice Principal, A.P. Low Primary School in Labrador City, as the Health and Safety Educator of the Year.
Vanessa Earle is recognized for her exceptional commitment to promoting mental well-being at school and in her community. Through initiatives such as creating personalized communication cards for non-verbal individuals and providing sensory support to peers, Vanessa demonstrates a profound understanding of inclusive safety practices.
Her efforts extend beyond the classroom, as she teaches swimming lessons to individuals with special needs, prioritizing their safety through ongoing training in crisis prevention and intervention. Vanessa’s actions serve as a model for her peers, promoting a culture of safety, inclusivity and support.
Kris Brown is recognized for his tireless dedication to student safety; leading by example and fostering a culture of vigilance and care at A.P. Low Primary School. His proactive approach to safety is evident in his daily efforts, from being outside reminding students to walk safely during morning arrival to encouraging students to take care of their mental and physical health as he speaks at assemblies. He consistently reinforces safety messages through school announcements and collaborates with outside experts for bus and bike safety.
Kris’ actions demonstrate a clear priority to protect the well-being of every student. By modeling safe practices and encouraging others to do the same, he has created a school environment where safety is deeply ingrained and prioritized by many.
“As we end another school year, highlighting the work of students and teachers across the province to create safer and healthier schools is encouraging and uplifting,” said the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL. “I applaud Vanessa Earle and Kris Brown for demonstrating conscientiousness and dedication both in and outside of the classroom to make your schools and communities more safe, welcoming and inclusive for all.”
“Congratulations to Vanessa and Kris for your efforts in promoting a healthy and safe culture in your schools and communities,” said Ann Martin, CEO, WorkplaceNL. “Your ingenuity and meaningful actions will inspire many to use safe work practices – a positive impact that can last a lifetime. You should be very proud of your accomplishments!”
The Safe Student is awarded $1,000. The Health and Safety Educator of the Year is awarded $500 and their school receives $500 for health and safety equipment and supplies.
Young workers, aged 15-24 years, are typically at higher risk for injury on the job. The lost-time incidence rate for young workers dropped 38.5 per cent in the past five years to 0.91 per 100 workers in 2024 from 1.47 in 2020. More details are available in our 2024 Industry Statistics – Young Workers fact sheet.
WorkplaceNL continues to invest in programs that engage youth to become more aware of workplace safety and injury prevention, including the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) 3203 high school course available throughout the province and the free online Young Worker OHS Course.
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About WorkplaceNL
Serving approximately 215,000 workers and 17,500 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.
Media contact
Carla Riggs, Director, Communications and Engagement
709.778.1590 or [email protected]