On Wed., Sept. 5, Workplace Safety North (WSN) hosts about 200 attendees to its inaugural Timmins Health and Safety Conference, themed, “Building safer communities.’

“Conference delegates have the opportunity to learn about trending topics in health and safety, attend the trade show, and network and share knowledge with professionals from diverse industries,” says Mike Parent, WSN Vice President of Prevention Services.

“Keynote speaker Candace Carnahan is a workplace safety advocate who survived a devastating workplace incident that was preventable. I’ve seen her speak before and it is riveting. Candace has traveled the world, speaking to more than 300,000 people, so we’re very pleased we’re able to bring her important safety message to the people of Timmins.”

Session topics include workplace well-being and mental health, safety culture and management systems, industry-specific high-risk hazards, and research and innovation.

  • Opening keynote Candace Carnahan: If you see something, say something
  • Reading body language: What are you really saying?
  • First Nations culture and health and safety
  • Case study on powerline safety: Dump truck raised box indicator program
  • Learning from a psychosocial education program in wildland firefighters: Applications for northern industries
  • Climate Assessment and Audit Tool: New predictive approach changing the face of health and safety
  • Cannabis in the safety-sensitive workplace
  • Discussion Panel: Navigating mental health issues in the workplace

“We’re seeing an evolution in workplace health and safety that matches what’s happening in society,” says Parent. “Issues around substance use, distracted driving, and mental health are being brought to light and talked about in supportive ways. And because these issues affect us both at home and in the workplace, Workplace Safety North is in an excellent position to help raise awareness to make Ontario workplaces safer.”

A free one-day Risk Assessment Workshop is also being held on Thurs., Sept. 6, on how to assess your workplace for health and safety hazards; participants will learn how to implement and monitor their own risk assessment program.

The conference is a new annual event for the City of Timmins, hosted by Workplace Safety North and supported by local businesses and government agencies. For more information, visit workplacenorth.ca/events.

https://www.workplacesafetynorth.ca/events