THUNDER BAY, ON – On Wednesday, May 1, about 200 people are expected to attend a new Thunder Bay Health and Safety Conference hosted by Workplace Safety North (WSN) and Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA).
The two provincial health and safety associations are responsible for province-wide health and safety training and services for specific industry sectors. WSN is based in North Bay and serves Ontario mining, forest products, and northern Ontario communities. PSHSA is based in Toronto and serves the public sector, including schools, healthcare, first responders, and municipalities.
“Together, we’ve teamed up with local businesses and government agencies in Thunder Bay to provide a community health and safety event that addresses the unique needs of resource-based industries and geographic challenges of northern communities,” says Chris Serratore, WSN Director of Specialty Services.
“We are seeing an evolution in workplace health and safety issues that mirrors what’s happening in society,” says Serratore. “Issues around substance use, mental health, and violence and harassment prevention are being highlighted and talked about. And because these issues affect us both at home and in the workplace, we are in an excellent position to help raise awareness in northern Ontario communities.”
“I’m really excited we’re bringing keynote speaker, Big Daddy Tazz, to Thunder Bay. He’s a mental health advocate and comedian and uses humour to talk about his own struggle and help educate others. I’ve seen Tazz talk before and he is very entertaining and informative – it’s so important to break the silence around stigma.”
“The Thunder Bay Health and Safety Conference is aimed at giving back to the community and helping make workplaces safer,” says Glenn Cullen, PSHSA Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. “We are pleased to be an integral partner and serve our sectors across Ontario, at a community level, with valuable health and safety solutions. The community is invited to take advantage of affordable ticket prices, plus a discounted workshop the following day on substance use awareness in the workplace.”
Resolute Forest Products is keynote sponsor. “We’re very pleased to support this community health and safety event,” says John Poirier, General Manager of the Thunder Bay Resolute Mill. “At Resolute, people can see from our actions that we want a safe and healthy work environment – zero injuries, and they have confidence that we care. Studies show that when you feel healthy and safe – whether you’re at work, at home or in the community – it’s often a reflection of your environment, so we encourage folks to attend and learn more.”
Session topics
- Opening keynote Big Daddy Tazz: Out of My Mind
- Choose your own adventure: Learning to lead through personal and team development
- Through the eyes of an inspector: Being an effective supervisor under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Burnout in the workplace: A focus on prevention
- Workplace violence and harassment: Then and now
- Innovative applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) specific to natural resources
- The New Multigenerational Workplace: Welcome iGens!
- Discussion Panel: Navigating mental health issues in the workplace
- Closing keynote Alex Debogorski, Ice Road Truckers: Safe and Sound
The day after the conference, on Thursday, May 2, conference delegates can also register for a half-day workshop on Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training for Supervisors. The interactive and informative half-day workshop has a special conference price $25 (regular value $157.50). The workshop combines two courses and is developed and delivered by CannAmm, with of the most experienced and knowledgeable people in the drug and alcohol testing field today.
For more information, visit workplacenorth.ca/events. Save $25: Early-bird conference price $100 until March 31. Sponsorship and trade show opportunities are available. https://www.workplacesafetynorth.ca/events