Raise Your Hand for the Record

One of the most memorable moments during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympics was walking down a pedestrian-only Robson or Granville at any hour and being able to high-five almost everyone you passed. Now, Paralympic silver medallist Josh Dueck is leading the Raise Your Hand for the Record campaign with WorkSafeBC to see if he can set the world record for most high-fives in a 24-hour period.

Photo credit: Susan Gittins on Flickr

The goal is to increase young workers’ awareness and understanding of their safety rights and how to stay safe at work. Dueck said in the Raise Your Hand press release that, “It’s about making workplaces safer for everyone, but especially young workers. Life is full of choices. So, raise your hand and know your rights.” Young workers experience the greatest number of time-loss claims due to being struck by objects, overexertion, and falls.

The high-five marathon will begin August 27th at Empire Field during the BC Lions game, then it will move on to the Kaboom Plaza, then the PNE grounds. The event will wrap-up August 28th at the PNE’s Celebration Plaza.

Should the marathon be a success, hopefully more will be aware of WorkSafeBC’s campaign and Dueck (along with thousands of high-fiving Vancouverites) will earn a spot in the Guinness World Record book.

How you can help:

Raise Your Hand will have a presence throughout the PNE as well as an info station at the Live at Squamish music festival.

Update Josh did it! 9,307 high-fives. He is now a world record-holder thanks to everyone that participated.