Workplace Safety always a focus in WSD

Students across Winnipeg School Division (WSD) participate in work experience through placements, practicums and internships focusing on career development and education. Off-site experiences intend to have students in a safe environment supported by their employer and WSD.

Torin Proulx is the Workplace Safety and Health Officer for Student Workplace Practicums in WSD, who primarily works with staff and students at Tec Voc High School and RB Russel Vocational High School.

"Students have always participated in work placements. However, in the past, very few checks and balances were done to ensure where students go is a safe environment,” said Proulx. “At a provincial level, we've developed a safety plan framework to ensure student safety and health through policies and procedures while involved in work experience."

Proulx collaborates with the Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Education and Training to develop a system specific to WSD for the success and safety of students. The priority is supporting students who participate in internships and work experience. 

"My job is to assess the workplaces students are in, ensuring they're safe working environments; physically safe and have a healthy work culture. It's never an investigation but partnering together with the workplace to ensure our students' best interests are at heart."

Proulx’s role in WSD is relatively new and many other changes are happening. "We're developing policies and procedures from the ground up. The affiliation with workplaces and community partners is long-term, as we hope to send students year after year. While working, students are also meeting those desired learning outcomes while in a safe environment."

When students are in work placements, they are considered a worker according to the Workplace Health and Safety Act in Manitoba and WSD is regarded as a joint employer. WSD carries a high level of responsibility to provided safe pathways for all students.

"I want as many students as possible to have access to career education by working together and fostering relationships with businesses to employ our students after graduation," concluded Proulx.