gd ask aba

NEWS photo Mike Wekefietd

MEL Camiiti spoke to young people and staff at the Human Resource
Centre for Students’ open house. His talk about workplace safety

drew on his own experience of being injured in a logging accident.

Sunday, June 18, 2000 - North Shore News — 25

Vashti Singh
Contributing Writer

A crowd of 50 gathered at a local stu-
dent employment centre to listen to Mel
Camilli tell how he lost his legs in a
workplace accident.

Camilli, a Workers’ Compensation Board com-
puter programmer and public speaker, spoke to local
youth and staff at the Human Resource Centre for
Students’ Open House.

he event was held June 2 at the One Stop

reer Shop rear Lonsdale Quay and encouraged
young workers to ask questions regarding the safety
of their workplaces.

Camilli used his own experience to illustrate the
age that young workers are especially suscepti-
: to workplace accidents and should make their
ferv a i
While completing a routine task at his logging
job, Camilli became trapped by a 20,000-t0
of machinery. Both his legs were crushed bi
repair.

Camilli was 2] vears old at the time.

“Before I had my accident, I thought a
workplace injury would never happen to
me. But an accident on the job can change
your life forever in the blink of an eye,”
said Camilli.

He pointed out that youth accidents are
more common than many young employ-
ees think.

Every working day an average of 46
young workers are injured on the job in

B.C.; five of those workers are permanent-
ly injured ¢ every week,

The most common area for workplace
accidents tor workers aged 15-24 is the
retail sector, and more than 50% of job
accidents involving youth happen during
their first six months at work.

Camilli believes that statistics such as
the above are the result of both employers

and employees nor taking the proper prz-
cautions to make workplaces sater.

“The employers have the responsibility

a safe working environment,

m
bh

ut workplace safety

but when it comes down to it, the empiovee is the
one making that decision that’s going to lead to
them getting hurt or not,

“As an employee you have to be aware of what
you're doing, why you're doing it and the conse-
quences: of what's going to happen when vou do
something,” he said

‘The employment centre staff was pleased with
Camilli’s frank and honest talk. They also encourage
safety awareness among voung workers who come to
the centre.

Workshops about job safety are held twice a week
for youth who work as casual labour, said Catherine
Brink, a Senior Summer Employment Offi

At these workshops, youth are encouraged to ask
Questions at new jobs as well as know their rights.

“A lot of it is common sense, but we have to get
people, to think about it because they won't if we
don't,” explained Brink.

Camilli agrees that having young people think
about workplace safety will encourage them to take
the onus upon themselves to question new working
environments.

“Take the time; learn the job; ask the questions,”
he advised.

Aa eS
REMEMBER SHOPPING STOKG'S?

WELL, NOW YOU CAN AGAIN!
SHOP BY PRONE, FAX, EMAIL
OROR-LUNED  -

IT'S THAT EASY!

From Deep Cove to Lions Bay
Stong’s Express will deliver your
groceries right to your front door.

PHONE: 266-5191 FAX: 266-5199

EMAI

cori_bonina@bc.sympatico.ca
ON-LINE: www.stongs.com

BR AVAILASLE MONDAY TO FRIDAY EXCEPT HOLIDAYS
# ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:00 AM ;
AND WILL BE DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING DAY - |
SATURDAY DELIVERIES ARE AVAILABLE BUT. _
ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:00AM FRIDAY.

Reading problems can hurt your child’s grades and self-esteem.
Sylvan teaches skills and confidence to last a lifetime. Sylvan offers:
© A comprehensive skills assessment to identify your child's
specific needs.
© A personalized programme -
delivered by certified
teachers. .
© Guaranteed success,
Your child will improve
one full grade level
within 36 hours of
instructi
Don't wait.
Cail Sylvan today.

North Van.
935-6811

West Van.
926-3365 _

SYLVAN SKILLS”
ASSESSMENT™

325 OFF

Just bring this savings certificate to your scheduled appointment
to save $25 on the Sylvan Skills Assessment™.

S-svivan LEARNING. CENTER”

Success is learned”
’ Not valid with any other offer. Expires OG/30/00

£5,948. Flacairad af skping $8.823. Total Obipeton
Yan 200) Fadtincer wits 6 speed oar,
tomatic transmission, 2000 Fort

Automobile