Iqaluit(May 03/04) - New no-smoking signs being handed out by the Workers' Compensation Board are just one of many signs the WCB wants you to read and follow.

"Safety and the young worker is another program we really want to get out there," said Marvin Newsome, safety trainer for Nunavut. "Anything we can get out there about that program is great."

Just in time for health and safety week (May 2-8), Newsome wants people to be aware that almost 25 per cent of all workplace injuries involve young workers under the age of 25.

According to WCB statistics for 2001, across Canada, 57 young workers died on the job in 2001, and 60,000 were injured at work.

That is why programs like Skills Canada are an important opportunity for young people to practise and hone their skills in a competitive environment, Newsome said.

The WCB's Safety and the Young Worker program is available in hard copy, or a CD ROM version provides basic training in rights and responsibilities, and things like kitchen safety and working with electricity.

Other programs offered by the WCB include accident investigation, claims management, occupational health and safety committee, principles in health and safety management, safety awareness, artists and carvers safety awareness, ergonomics program and internal responsibility system.

But lately the WCB's phone has been ringing off the wall about the smoking ban.

"Mostly it's been positive," said Terry Cameron, chief industrial safety officer.

"People want to know what they can do to comply with the new regulations."

The WCB has already delivered 1,200 information packages and signs on the smoking ban to businesses in the NWT and Nunavut.