Radon in the workplace: The silent hazard you shouldn’t ignore 08 | Quarterly Check-in
Addressing mental health in the workplace
OHS Canada Hall of Fame Introducing this year’s inductees. BY BRANDI COWEN
STORY Simply the best Get to know the 2025 OHS Canada Honours
COWEN
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04 | From the Editor When it comes to safety, making steady progress beats waiting for perfection 05 | In the News 30 | Fines
Top 25 Under 40 Meet the class of 2025. BY BRANDI COWEN
From the Editor
By Brandi Cowen
When it comes to safety, making steady progress beats waiting for perfection
One of my earliest memories is tied to a workplace accident. I was young, maybe three or four, and visiting my aunt’s house. I don’t remember hearing the phone ring, or her side of the conversation. What stood out to me then, and sticks with me now, is the panic that phone call inspired.
The call was from the manager at the fast-food restaurant where my cousin worked parttime after school. He’d been burned by hot oil during his shift and was on his way to the hospital in an ambulance.
This story has a happy ending. My cousin was sent home later that same day, and the burns healed about as well as anyone could have hoped for.
But the panic? That left a mark on many members of my family.
In this issue of OHS Canada, we’re celebrating the people and organizations working to spare workers’ loved ones from a similar panic-inducing phone call. It’s my honour to introduce you to the winners of the 2025 OHS Canada Honours, recognizing the very best occupational health
EDITORIAL
ADVISORY BOARD
and safety practices, programs and professionals in the country.
Within these pages, you’ll meet young powerhouses shaping the future of occupational health and safety (check out our Top 25 Under 40 winners beginning on page 26 and our OHS Rising Star winner on page 13) and
As I came to know this year’s winners,
I noticed a trend emerging: The importance of progress over perfection.
seasoned professionals who have devoted their careers to making workplaces safer. We’ll also introduce you to companies driving change in areas like psychological health and safety (see page 22), contractor safety (page 25) and more.
As I came to know this year’s winners, I noticed a trend emerging: The importance of progress over perfection. Look no further than the story Mary Lou Sinclair, vice-president of health, safety and environment for North America and the United Kingdom with BGIS Global Integrated Solutions, shares on page 14. Sinclair explains how the
Paula Campkin: chief safety officer, Energy Safety Canada
Marty Dol: president and founder, HASCO Health & Safety Canada
Cindy Moser: director of communications, Institute of Work & Health
Natalie Oree: prevention consultant, SAFE Work Manitoba
David Powers: EHS director (Atlantic), Sysco Canada
company’s app for lone workers successfully initiated a thirdparty wellness check on a worker who missed a scheduled checkin, even when a series of internal escalations to supervisors failed. The process may not have been ideal, but it was an improvement over the company’s previous procedures. Plus, BGIS discovered something it could improve upon to make work safer. That’s progress over perfection.
A mindset of continuous improvement is crucial for health and safety professionals, as no matter how hard you try, you will never eliminate all risks from the workplace. But for every day that you strive to make your workplace safer than it was the day before, you’re driving risk closer to zero and reducing the likelihood of a colleague’s loved ones receiving a life-changing phone call.
Congratulations to all of this year’s OHS Canada Honours winners, and thank you to everyone who submitted nominations, sharing stories about the incredible work being done to keep Canadians safe and healthy at work. I hope their stories prove to be inspirational and educational.
Richard Quenneville: senior director of corporate services, T. Harris Environmental Management
Maureen Shaw: lecturer and presenter
Dylan Short: managing director, The Redlands Group
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Declaration aims for safer, healthier work around the world
A landmark founding declaration to advance safer, healthier, more sustainable workplaces worldwide has been signed as part of Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai, Japan.
The declaration launched the World Assembly of Occupational Safety, Health, and Well-being Professionals and Stakeholders – a network that will collaborate on commitments promoting safety and well-being, driving global collaboration, empowering future leaders, and creating a roadmap of concrete actions between now and 2030.
The launch was organized by the Global Initiative for Safety, Health and Well-being (GISHW). It’s the first time in more than 170 years that safety and health at work has featured at a World Expo and shows how vital good work is to this Expo’s overarching theme: “Designing future society for our lives.”
The signing marks a global effort to protect the lives and livelihoods of billions of working people worldwide.
The declaration, supported by leaders in the occupational safety and health (OSH) profession, sets the foundation for future collaborative action and emphasizes that occupational safety, health, and well-being are essential to building the societies we want to live and work in.
“In a rapidly changing world, driven by geopolitical and economic volatility, digital transformation, climate change, and shifting demographics, the need for safe and healthy workplaces is more urgent than ever,” said Marijana Zivkovic Mtegha from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), chair of the World Assembly Working Group and vice-chair, GISHW executive committee. “This declaration acknowledges that safety, health, and well-being are not only critical to the workplace but are fundamental to the broader societal agenda, including the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and beyond.”
WHO, WMO issue new guidance to protect workers from increasing heat stress
170+
Years since safety and health at work has featured at a World Expo.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have published a new joint report and guidance highlighting the growing global health challenges posed by extreme heat on workers.
As climate change drives more frequent and intense heatwaves, many workers who are regularly exposed to dangerous heat conditions are already feeling the health impacts of rising temperatures, in particular, manual workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction and fisheries.
“Heat stress is already harming the health and livelihoods of billions of workers, especially in the most vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO assistant director-general, health promotion, disease prevention and care. “This new guidance offers practical, evidence-based solutions to protect lives, reduce inequality, and build more resilient workforces in a warming world.”
“Climate change and workplace heat stress,” draws on five decades of research and evidence, highlighting that the health and productivity of workers are severely impacted by rising temperatures.
WMO reports 2024 was the hottest year on record. Daytime temperatures of more than 40°C and even above 50°C are increasingly common – a clear indication that immediate action is needed to address the worsening impact of heat stress on workers worldwide.
The report and guidance outline key issues related to health impacts of extreme heat.
• The frequency and intensity of extreme heat events have risen sharply, increasing risks for both outdoor and indoor workers.
• Worker productivity drops by two to three per cent for every degree above 20°C.
• Health risks include heatstroke, dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and neurological disorders, all of which hinder long-term health and economic security.
• About half the global population suffers adverse consequences of high temperatures.
To tackle these challenges, the report calls for the implementation of occupational heat action plans, tailored to specific industries and regions, and developed in collaboration with employers, workers, unions, and public health experts.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Radon in the workplace: The silent hazard you shouldn’t ignore
We often think of workplace hazards as things w e can hear, smell, touch, or see, such as noise, chemicals, or moving equipment. But there’s a serious health hazard in Canadian workplaces that’s both invisible and has no smell. Radon exposure remains under-recognized in many workplaces, despite its established link to lung cancer.
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down over time. It dissipates quickly outdoors, but indoors, it can build up, especially in basements and ground-floor areas that are poorly ventilated or tightly sealed.
The most significant source of radon is the soil underneath a building, though it can also be present in groundwater or building materials. It can enter through cracks in floors and walls, sump pumps, floor drains, and gaps around pipes. Because radon is a gas, changes in air pressure can also affect its emission from the ground and accumulation in building air.
Once inside, radon breaks down into radioactive particles known as progeny, which attach to dust in the air. When inhaled, these particles can embed in the lungs and emit radiation that damages lung tissue, significantly increasing the risk of cancer.
T he International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies radon as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer
Many occupational exposures occur in indoor environments where radon enters from the ground and builds up over time.
in humans. Inhaling radon progeny increases the risk of developing lung cancer. According to research by scientists at CAREX Canada, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada after smoking. Combine the two, and the risk is significantly increased.
Not just a residential hazard
T hough radon has traditionally been seen as a household issue, CAREX Canada estimates that approximately 190,000 people in Canada are exposed to radon at work. Workers in underground mines, particularly uranium mines, face the highest level of exposure. Those involved in tunnelling and underground workings, such as utility tunnel and subway workers, are also at an elevated risk. Though their level of exposure is lower, the occupations with the highest number of workers exposed to radon are administrative assistants, general office support workers, receptionists and elementary school and kindergarten teachers.
M an y occupational exposures occur in indoor environments where radon enters from the ground and builds up over time. Some regions, particularly those with uranium-rich rock or soil, are at a higher geographic risk, but elevated radon levels have been found across the country, even in places not traditionally viewed as high-risk. Because radon can be present anywhere in Canada, regardless of region, any workplace with contact to the ground could potentially ha ve unsafe radon levels.
How to keep workers safe
E mployers can take several key steps to protect workers from radon. Start by assessing the risk to your workplace based on building type, location, and use of the space. Even if your organization isn’t in a traditionally high-risk sector, your buildings may still present a risk of radon exposure.
The only way to know if radon is present is to test for it. Testing should be initiated for any building where people spend prolonged periods of time, especially those working on lower floors or in older, sealed structures. Testing should follow Health Canada’s recommendations for long-term sampling. Where levels are high, you may need to hire a certified professional to identify appropriate control measures for the workplace.
Make radon awareness a visible part of a proactive safety culture in your workplace by integrating it into regular health and safety education and training, testing regularly, and being transparent
with results. With any air sampling, you are required to share test results with workers, who have the right to know about hazards in the workplace.
What testing looks like
It is recommended to test radon exposure for at least three months, ideally during winter when buildings are sealed and radon levels are at their highest. T his seasonal timing ensures a more accurate measurement, as less outdoor air is circulating through indoor spaces. The most common testing method involves using small, disk-shaped devices called alpha track detectors, which are placed in rooms where people spend the most time, particularly in lower-level areas like basements. After three months, these detectors are sent to a lab for analysis. Results are reported in becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/ m³). Health Canada’s guideline limit is 200 Bq/m³, a threshold that applies not only to homes but to public buildings such as schools, hospitals, long-term care centres,
and correctional facilities.
I n underground industries, exposure is often measured using “working level months” (WLM), a unit that reflects long-term exposure to radioactive decay products over time.
W hat to do when radon levels are high
If test results show radon levels above 200 Bq/m³, mitigation is strongly recommended. Reducing radon may fall under your legal duty to protect workers from known carcinogens. Consult your local occupational health and safety jurisdiction to confirm what the requirements are for your industry.
residences. In truth, radon can affect any structure in contact with the ground, regardless of its age or location. Radon is impossible to detect without testing, and radon test kits are easy to use and affordable, both in the workplace and at home. Readily available research shows that radon exposure affects indoor and underground workers across several sectors, not just residents and workers in homes.
Understanding radon legislation
Radon exposure remains underrecognized in many workplaces, despite its established link to lung cancer.
The most effective approach to mitigation is a method known as sub-slab depressurization, in which a pipe and fan system is installed to draw radon from beneath the building and vent it outside before it can enter the indoor air. Other actions can include sealing foundation cracks or gaps and improving overall ventilation. The effectiveness of each method depends on how high the radon levels are and the building’s construction features. In many cases, these systems are affordable and unobtrusive, offering peace of mind without major renovation. Refer to the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) for a list of certified professionals qualified to assess and mitigate radon.
After mitigation, Health Canada recommends retesting to confirm that radon levels have been reduced and the corrective measures are effective.
Separating fact from fiction
A few common misconceptions about radon are that exposure is only an issue in older or rural buildings, that radon testing is expensive, and that radon is only a concern in
In Canada, legislation addressing radon varies by jurisdiction. Industries such as mining or uranium handling typically have specific exposure limits and requirements. These workers are often monitored through the National Dose Registry, managed by Health Canada.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has published dose limits for radiation exposure, and several provincial occupational health and safety authorities have adopted values that apply either broadly or to specific sectors. Consult your local occupational health and safety jurisdiction for more information.
The most effective way to address the silent threat of radon is to take proactive steps. Educate workers about the risks, make sure to test for radon regularly, share the test results, and encourage everyone to test their homes as well. Protecting workers from radon exposure is not only a matter of compliance; it’s also an investment in their long-term health, safety, and peace of mind.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) promotes the total well-being — physical, psychosocial, and mental health — of workers in Canada by providing information, advice, education, and management systems and solutions that support the prevention of injury and illness. Visit www.ccohs.ca for more safety tips.
CSA Group
CSA Group is a global organization dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. It is a leader in standards development and testing, inspection, and certification around the world, including in Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia. CSA Group’s mandate is to hold the future to a higher standard.
Addressing mental health in the workplace
Mental health challenges among Canadian workers are on the rise, with serious implications for employers, employees, and the broader economy. Olga Morawczynski, co-founder and CEO of Heal-3, and CSA public policy fellow who authored the report Navigating the Mental Health Crisis in Canada: The Critical Role of Employers, offers her perspective on what is driving these trends and how organizations can take action.
What factors are driving the rise in poor mental health among Canadians?
Three key factors have had a disproportionate impact on Canadians’ mental health over the past five years.
First, the lasting impact of COVID-19 cannot be overstated. While mental health in Canada had already been on the decline for over a decade, the pandemic accelerated this trend. Canadians are still grappling with its aftermath. Extended lockdowns, prolonged isolation, the shift to hybrid work, and now a return to full-time, in-person roles may have all contributed to ongoing stress and instability.
Second, widespread uncertainty continues to fuel anxiety. Economic pressures, political polarization, global conflict, and job insecurity have created a climate of fear. Many Canadians are unsure about their financial futures and employment prospects, which takes a serious toll.
Finally, access to mental health care remains limited. Despite growing recognition of the link between mental and physical health, they are still not treated with the same
urgency. Public services are hard to access, private care is expensive, and benefit plans often offer minimal coverage. Many people go without support, leaving chronic stress unmanaged and increasing the risk of long-term harm.
What progress has been made in addressing mental health in the workplace over the past decade?
Over the last decade, the primary focus has been on raising awareness. Public campaigns, media attention, and growing openness have reduced stigma and encouraged more honest conversations about mental health in society and the workplace.
A major milestone came in 2013 with the publication of CAN/ CSA-Z1003-13/BNQ 9700-803/2013 (R2022), Psychological health and safety in the workplace. The first of its kind globally, the standard highlighted employers’ responsibility to p romote workers’ psychological health and safety (PHS) and to identify and eliminate hazards within organizational control that pose a risk of harm.
The standard specifies requirements for a documented, systematic
approach using a PHS management system framework integrated into organizational policies and processes.
The combination of public campaigns and the publication of the standard has shifted the conversation. Today, many organizations recognize the impact of the work environment on health, safety, and well-being. They are beginning to understand their role in preventing harm and supporting psychological health and safety.
But awareness alone is not enough. The next phase must focus on action, including integrating a PHS management system into existing business and occupational health and safety practices.
What is the business case for investing in mental health?
Poor mental health costs Canadian businesses far more than many realize. Often called “the invisible bottom-line sucker,” its financial impacts, such as absenteeism, attendance without productivity, disability leave, and turnover, are spread across departments and budgets, making them difficult to quantify.
That is beginning to change. An upcoming CSA Public Policy report
Many Canadian workers go without support, leaving chronic stress unmanaged and increasing the risk of long-term harm.
will present the first comprehensive analysis of the total cost of poor mental health to Canadian businesses and the broader economy. The results are alarming. The financial burden is significantly higher than anticipated, while investment in prevention remains low.
This creates a strong business case. Preventive strategies – such as mental health training, benefits alignment, and implementing a PHS management system – are not just costeffective; they are essential to longterm performance and sustainability.
What are the potential risks –legal, reputational, or operational – if employers fail to address psychological health and safety?
The risks of inaction are growing. Employers are increasingly expected to identify and manage potential psy chosocial hazards. Legal cases across Canada reflect a broader understanding that psychological harm can be work-related, and some provinces are introducing legislation mandating protections for mental health.
Reputational risks are also significant. Organizations perceived as unsupportive may face long-term brand damage affecting recruitment, retention, and customer trust.
Oper ationally, neglecting PHS may increase absenteeism, presenteeism, disability claims, and turnover, directly affecting productivity and profitability. PHS is now a compliance, performance, and risk management issue – not just a wellness concern.
What are some low-cost or scalable ways employers can support mental well-being?
Supporting mental health does not require large budgets or complex programs. Practical, scalable strategies can deliver meaningful
results.
A key starting point is downloading CAN/CSA-Z1003-13/BNQ 9700-803/2013 (R2022), Psychological health and safety in the workplace, available at no cost.
From there, it is important that leaders and managers are trained in mental health and PHS, as their decisions and behaviours strongly influence workplace culture. As l egislation evolves, leaders must understand their responsibilities –particularly through the lens of the occupational health and safety internal responsibility system.
Employers can conduct a basic assessment to identify psychosocial risks such as workload, role clarity, recognition, or interpersonal issues. Even a short pulse survey or facilitated discussion can yield valuable insights. Based on findings, they can make incremental changes, such as adjusting schedules, increasing flexibility, or improving communication during change.
Starting small is effective. Pilot a few changes within one team or department and expand based on feedback. Free resources from the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety can guide this work.
CSA Group also offers a complimentary handbook to help implement the standard, from initial planning through to full implementation.
Finally, reviewing benefit plans shows commitment. Even modest improvements, such as expanded therapy coverage or access to virtual care, can support long-term well-being.
What needs to happen over the next 10 years to reverse the rise in mental health challenges and ensure lasting change?
The past decade has focused on awareness; the next must be defined
by action. Fortunately, four converging forces are creating the conditions for lasting change
First, legislative shifts are redefining employer responsibilities. For example, Nova Scotia is updating its occupational health and safety laws to include psychological health, effective September 2025, signaling that employers have clear legal obligations to protect both physical and psychological safety.
Second, the upcoming revision of CAN/CSA-Z1003-13/BNQ 9700803/2013 (R2022), Psychological health and safety in the workplace – a draft of which will be open for public review this October, and scheduled for publication in late 2026 –emphasizes inclusivity and cultural responsiveness for all workers while providing clearer requirements and updates reflecting advancements in PHS management system.
Third, evolving workforce expectations are reshaping organizational culture. Many workers now bring mental health literacy and expectations around inclusion, flexibility, and transparency, prompting employers to improve workplaces.
Finally, rising costs related to psychological injury and disability are putting unsustainable pressure on compensation systems. The financial imperative for prevention and early intervention is becoming impossible to ignore.
Together, these forces are driving a fundamental shift: PHS is a core responsibility.
The window for passive awareness has closed. What comes next will determine not only the well-being of our workforce, but the resilience and sustainability of our institutions.
The next phase must focus on action, including integrating a PHS management system into existing business and occupational health and safety practices.
Celebrating
Best in Workplace Safety
Introducing the OHS Hall of Fame class of 2025
A short-term assignment in health and safety became a turning point in Dennis Bolger’s career. Early on, Bolger – a mining engineer by training – was temporarily assigned to help a Shell Canada Ltd. subsidiary reduce lost time claims and never looked back.
Bolger says one of the highlights from his time at Shell was the two-and-a-half years he spent working on an oil extraction and shipping operation in Oman. “That opened my eyes to the challenge I think we’re going to have with immigration in Canada,” he says. “You’re working with a lot of people that can’t read or write [the language] and you have to be able to convey safety messages to them in a variety of different ways.”
After a long career with Shell, Bolger decided to strike out on his own. In 2001, he founded Benchmark Safety Inc., consulting for clients across Canada and around the world, ranging from owner/ operators to complex organizations with up to 5,000 employees. That move would ultimately lead to some of the proudest moments of Bolger’s career.
“I was part of a major project in Alberta where we built a $1 billion gas plant and
gathering system,” he recalls. During the fouryear project, 3,500 contractors worked on site. “We had some minor injuries, but nothing significant.”
Bolger has also been a staple in the health and safety community throughout his 40-plus year career, volunteering his time with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers (now Health and Safety Professionals Canada, or HSPC) and the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP), including stints on the board of governors, the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) examination committee, and the CRSP screening committee. Bolger was also a founding member of the Alberta Occupational Safety Auditors Association, established to promote the safety auditing profession in Canada.
He’s also spent countless hours mentoring young health and safety professionals. So, perhaps it’s no surprise that Bolger encourages young people entering the profession to find an experienced mentor to help them learn the ropes and guide them in furthering their training.
“The more you can learn, the better,” he says.
Bolger retired last year, leaving Bench-
in
Bill Howatt is working for more psychologically safe workplaces
Dr. Bill Howatt has more than 30 years of clinical experience and is recognized internationally as one of the world’s top workplace mental health experts. Throughout his career, the founder and president of Howatt Human Resources Consulting has built a reputation for guiding employers and employees in creating psychologically safe, inclusive and thriving workplace cultures.
“I think psychological health and safety is a new frontier,” says Howatt. He adds that just as employers can employ occupational health and safety best practices to protect employees from physical harm, they can use psychological health and safety best practices to protect employees from emotional harm.
This belief has inspired Howatt to educate others about what psychological health and safety is, and how to bring it to life in organizations of all sizes. To that end, he worked with the University of New Brunswick’s College of Extended Learning
Dennis Bolger leaves a legacy in occupational health and safety
mark Safety’s clients
the capable hands of his daughter, Shannon.
2025 OHS Hall of Fame
Dennis Bolger
Bill Howatt
Bruce Jackson
Bill Howatt
Dennis Bolger
Bruce Jackson
PHOTOS: DENNIS BOLGER, BILL HOWATT, BRUCE JACKSON.
Celebrating the Best in Workplace Safety
Read the full stories at OHSCanada.com/2025-OHS-Honours.
to create certificates in psychologically safe leadership and management essentials, as well as courses on mental fitness and coping skills
Howatt also routinely authors articles for both business-to-business and mass media outlets, such as The Globe and Mail, helping to further educate employers and workers alike about psychological health and safety and broader workplace mental health. To date, he has authored more than 850 articles and more than 60 books.
But Howatt’s influence extends well beyond education.
He serves as chair of the CSA Group’s technical committee on the management of impairment, and as a member of CSA’s strategic steering committee on occupational health and safety, where he advocates for change at the system level.
When asked what’s next for him, Howatt
doesn’t hesitate before answering: “I want to do two things. I want to be launching more capacity building in the space of psychological health and safety, and I want to pilot and launch a ‘psychological safety in a box’ model where folks can log on to a tool with their assessments, their plan and information on how to write controls, all in an online platform.”
Bruce Jackson continues to make a mark in health and safety after nearly 30 years
After nearly 30 years, Bruce Jackson has left an indelible mark in the Canadian occupational health and safety landscape.
He began his career at one of Weyerhaeuser’s wood product operations in Vancouver, before joining WorkSafeBC in 1997.
Over the next 20 years, Jackson worked as an industry specialist, occupational
safety officer and prevention trainer, and held various manager roles.
In November 2017, Jackson left WorkSafeBC to found Advocate Workplace Safety Services – a consultancy that provides auditing, safety management systems development, incident investigation, and safety training-related services.
Throughout his career, Jackson has also volunteered with the BCRSP, the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, the Auditing Association of Canada, and the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C.
He also has a history of volunteering with HSPC and served as a project lead and contributor to its Guide to OH&S Certifications & Designations, 3rd Edition. Jackson earned his CRSP in 2001 and chartered membership in the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH) in 2015.
Benchmark Safety Inc. proudly congratulates founder Dennis Bolger on his 2025 induction into the OHS Canada Honours Hall of Fame.
With over 50 years of global experience, Dennis has made lasting contributions to safety through leadership, mentorship, and continuous learning. His dedication to advancing occupational health and safety is truly commendable and widely respected.
Celebrating the Best in Workplace Safety
Read the full stories at
Air Canada is committed to safety first, always
At Air Canada, three simple words inform every decision: “Safety first, always.”
This ongoing commitment to safety permeates every level of the organization, with hundreds of employees volunteering their time to serve on joint health and safety and policy committees. Safety-oriented behaviours are also celebrated; branch leaders kick off safety board meetings by recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions in this space.
Robert Palmer, vice-president, safety at Air Canada, credits this ongoing reinforcement of safety as a shared responsibility in helping the company establish its strong safety culture.
“ The most critical thing is it’s not an edict from the CEO down – it’s a culture that we all believe in and if we see something unsafe, we say something,” Palmer notes. “Our safety reporting culture is very strong. We regard it as proof of our employees’ vigilance and commitment to safety that there are thousands of safety reports per year, ranging from very low, very minor risk to moderate- or high-risk activities that we need to address. I think employees embrace the ability to say something and then see a reaction. A reporting culture is a strong culture.”
The airline is very transparent about safety management. When an issue arises, all employees are made aware of it so they can be on alert and respond to help mitigate the risk. Palmer says that in recent months, the company has stepped up its efforts to share this information and is seeing a further decline in its already low lost-time injury rate and less damage to its assets as a result.
Pursuing continuous improvement
In pursuit of continuous improvement, Air Canada’s occupational health and safety (OHS) team integrates advanced risk
management techniques and data-driven decision-making into the company’s daily operations.
A prime example of this is the Safety Information Management System (SIMS) – a cross-functional tool enabling the company to capture a range of data, examine issues from multiple perspectives, and assess where policies and procedures are effective or perhaps could be strengthened through revision. SIMS also allows findings and resolutions to be shared across the entire organization, so everyone can learn from safety experiences.
The company also has a WEB-OHS tool to co-ordinate and track workplace and policy committee meetings, track injuries, manage root cause analyses, and communicate information to everyone involved in health and safety.
More recently, Air Canada invested in the TuMEke Ergonomics artificial intelligence (AI) platform, which helps evaluate an employee’s risk of injury in real-time as they work, then proactively helps correct ergonomic issues.
Building strategic partnerships
Air Canada’s OHS team maintains strong strategic partnerships with regulatory
bodies, industry experts, and other OHS professionals, enabling the team to learn from best practices and share their own lessons learned.
The team partners with BlueDot, a thirdparty infectious disease surveillance organization, to proactively predict the impact of an infectious disease outbreak on Air Canada’s network and employees. They also work with Cleveland Clinic Canada to enhance Air Canada’s biosafety measures across operations and share topical healthrelated information with employees – from disease prevention to addiction and mental health. These partners also assist in crisis management.
The team is also involved with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety’s (CCOHS) employer association council, supporting CCOHS in delivering reliable, unbiased information to organizations and workers across the country.
Within the industry, Air Canada is an active member of the International Air Transport Association, which provides airlines with advocacy and global standards in areas such as safety and security.
“Although we’re in a highly competitive space with other airlines, we share safety information across the board internationally… It elevates the entire industry, not just one airline,” Palmer says.
OHS Team of the Year Gold: Air Canada Silver: Halton Healthcare Silver: Cantiro
At Air Canada, safety-oriented behaviours are celebrated.
Celebrating the Best in Workplace Safety
Tsitsi Pena is a rising star focused on mentoring others
Tsitsi Pena has dedicated her career to building safer, stronger workplaces across Canada. The founder and principal consultant at Journey to Zero Safety Solutions Inc. supports high-risk sectors, including food manufacturing, sanitation, construction, mechanical contracting, and building services, with initiatives of all sizes.
Pena has led national health and safety system audits, return-to-work program design, industrial hygiene assessments, and large-scale supervisor competency rollouts. This year, she launched a successful workplace violence and harassment risk assessment initiative for a client operating across multiple jurisdictions and, in just three months, saw her company become a Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development-approved provider of working at heights training in Ontario
However, her technical background in industrial hygiene remains central to her work. Throughout her career, Pena has conducted numerous comprehensive exposure assessments, developed hearing conservation programs, and translated technical findings into actionable prevention strategies that have impacted countless workers.
A nd Pena’s impact extends well beyond client organizations. She regularly volunteers her time as a guest lectur er for undergraduate public health and safet y progra ms, sharing her knowledge with the next generation of health and safety professionals. She also mentors aspiring OHS professionals and peers seeking career guidance, designation str ategies, and practical advice from the field.
“ While I’m proud of the outcomes, it’s the why that drives me,” Pena says. “I believe that creating safer workplaces is only part of the equation. I want to ensure that workers – especially the most vulnerable – go home safely, feel seen and respected, and are supported in ways that ripple beyond a single shift or site.”
P ena holds Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC) designations.
Tsitsi Pena translates technical expertise into practical action for clients at her company, Journey To Zero Safety Solutions Inc.
OHS Rising Star
Gold: Tsitsi Pena, Journey to Zero Safety Solutions Inc.
Silver: Nicole Urban, Halton Healthcare
Silver: Eric Davie, Telus Health
BGIS builds a unique lone worker safety solution
When many of BGIS Global Integrated Solutions’ employees clock in for work, they do so from remote locations where they’ll perform their duties alone – a reality that the company identified as a safety hazard. The solution? Find technology that allows workers to communicate that they are safe when working remotely, fulfills regulatory requirements across all the Canadian jurisdictions in which the company operates, and integrates with its existing workflows and technologies
When analysis revealed a payback period of just three years for an in-house solution, BGIS committed to creating a unique app that adds value in Canada, and across the global markets in which it operates.
Here’s how the BGIS Lone Worker app works. Using the company’s work order management system, the app gathers contact information for employees and supervisors, as well as work site details. When a worker launches the app, they select the appropriate client and building location and can enter relevant details about the work being completed. The app then initiates a timer. The worker can reset the timer at any time by checking in. Meanwhile, supervisors can view a dashboard showing real-time data on team member locations and check-in status.
If a worker misses a check-in, a robocall will be initiated to validate their status. If the worker does not answer the robocall and has still not checked in on the app, their supervisor is notified about the missed check-in via robocall. If the supervisor cannot reach the worker, they can initiate a check-in with the company’s emergency response service provider, who will, in turn, dispatch local authorities (e.g., local police) to the worker’s last known location for a wellness check.
On the off chance that a supervisor doesn’t answer a robocall, the system has an internal escalation process whereby the robocaller continues attempting to reach leadership,
escalating the robocall to that person’s supervisor and, if needed, ultimately, to BGIS’ operation centre, which can initiate the emergency response by local authorities if the worker still has not checked in.
Considering end-users
Mary Lou Sinclair, BGIS’ vice-president of health, safety and environment for North America and the United Kingdom, says app development began in 2021 and took about 18 months.
“It took a long time because we did not want to do it overnight,” she explains. “We could get our IT developers and our facility management office to put something together [quickly], but we wanted to ensure we had a team of users and it required time to get their input.”
That input covered everything from the
look and feel of the app’s interface, to the number of rings to allow before a phone call is considered missed by a worker.
Sinclair notes there was also some discussion about how long to leave between checkins. “It was a compromise,” she explains, noting the check-in intervals considered varied from one hour to four hours. “[Two hours] was the most practical and was chosen as the default, but check-in can be tailored to less if the account chooses to do so. After two hours, you do want your folks to take a break anyway, in many situations … So it’s both a risk-based decision and a practicality-based decision, with feedback from the workers considered too.”
Involving end-users early in the app’s development was an important step in securing their buy-in. “No safety app, program or standard will work if the people who you’re trying to protect don’t buy into it,” Sinclair says. “Don’t wait too long before bringing in the people who you’re going to make safer.”
Real-world impact
Initially, BGIS tested the app with 172 users across six accounts. It added more users in 2024 and 2025, while enhancing the software to better meet user needs. At press time, the app had been deployed to 2,860 users across 21 accounts.
It’s also proven effective. Earlier this year, a team member failed to check in, and outdated supervisor contact details prevented escalation. The call centre ultimately contacted the e mergency service provider, which dispatched the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to check on the employee, who was located safe at home. Though internal notifications failed in this instance, the app proved effective at escalating the missed check-in to ensure the worker’s safety.
Best Use of Safety Technology Gold: BGIS Global Integrated Solutions Silver: A-SAFE Canada Silver: Linamar Corporation
Mary Lou Sinclair is BGIS’ vice-president of health, safety and environment for North America and the United Kingdom.
Celebrating
Halton Healthcare takes a holistic approach to employee health
Halton Healthcare strives to foster a culture of total well-being that meets staff where they are, both personally and professionally. The healthcare organization, comprised of three community hospitals and many community-based services, offers a range of programming to educate staff and connect them with resources to care for their physical and mental health.
Initiatives like the Pet Pause pet therapy program through St. John Ambulance and the Fostering Well-being Through Leadership training series, launched in partnership with the C anadian Mental Health Association, have proven popular. So has Love Yourself Day, which offered self-care initiatives, blood pressure clinics and other services to staff on a walkin basis this past Valentine’s Day. Throughout the year, Halton Healthcare also distributes a series of newsletters and hosts seminars on topics such as addiction and smoking cessation, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, burnout, resiliency for working parents, and more.
“It is incredibly important to us that staff feel supported, heard, and connected, which ultimately helps us foster a strong culture of wellness across the organization,” says Alexis Gamble, director of health safety and wellness, organizational development and volunteer services at Halton Healthcare. “Our team embeds holistic wellness into Halton Healthcare’s culture through a program built on what our staff need. We conduct annual staff mental health surveys to understand how we can best support our staff both inside and outside of our walls.”
Those mental health surveys help inform the topics for webinars hosted by both internal and external partners throughout the year.
Support when it’s needed most
When asked which initiatives Gamble and chief human r esources officer Michele Leroux take particular pride in, they cite two. “We are especially proud of our support our staff (S.O.S.) team, which provides proactive mental health support and resources for teams, as well as our crisis support team, which offers immediate support to staff following traumatic incidents,” says Leroux.
“Together, these initiatives strengthen our commitment to staff wellness and ensure support is available when it’s needed most,” Gamble adds.
These teams’ efforts are also backed by an employee and family assistance program (EFAP) that offers confidential counselling, coaching, information and support for a variety of issues relating to mental health, health management and improving personal and workplace well-being.
Looking to the future
Halton Healthcare believes a strong well-being program must constantly evolve and, so, always has one eye to the future.
“Our next major focus will be empowering all staff – regardless of role – with the skills, confidence, and support to use effective de-escalation approaches. As healthcare faces the challenge of being the top sector in [Ontario] for workplace violence, we are determined to lead with compassion, resilience, and a renewed commitment to protecting and uplifting our teams,” says Leroux.
For organizations hoping to follow Halton Healthcare’s example and take a more holistic view of employee health and wellness, Gamble offers the following advice. “Design programs that are responsive to the wants and needs of staff. Leverage surveys, polls, data, and other relevant sources to gather meaningful feedback during the planning process. This approach ensures a clear understanding of what employees require to feel supported, valued, and engaged in program development.”
Halton Healthcare’s health safety and wellness team serves staff at three community hospitals and numerous community-based services.
Holistic Employee Health Award Gold: Halton Healthcare Silver: Graham Group Ltd. Silver: Utilities Kingston
At Wolverine Contracting and Engineering, safety drives decisions
Wolverine Contracting and Engineering in Sarnia, Ont., has built a safety culture that is visible in every bid, every plan, and every task – on site and in the office. At the core is an empowered workforce. Every employee holds true stop-work authority and is expected to use it. Wolverine’s safety observation program turns “see something, say something” into daily practice: frontline workers identify hazards and improvement ideas, and the company responds with fast closeouts, visible recognition (including shout-outs, gift cards and draw entries), and personalized feedback.
Data makes the culture durable. Wolverine uses AI-assisted analytics to surface leading indicators from field-level hazard assessments, job safety analyses, observations, and permit data.
Wolverine’s culture is simple to describe and hard to replicate: plan work with precision, equip people with real authority and data, and close the loop every time. The result is a company where safety is not a metric to chase; it’s the standard that fuels quality, schedule, and client trust.
AT PCL CONSTRUCTION’S SOLAR AND BESS DIVISION, SAFETY IS OUR PROMISE: LIVED EVERY DAY AND EVERYWHERE WE
BUILD.
From bustling cities to the most remote project sites, our field and safety teams operate as one, leading safety from the frontlines and building accountability into every phase of our work. Our employee-owned culture drives a shared vision for zero incidents. This commitment is woven into every project and every partnership.
By building trust and credibility across our global footprint, we are delivering more than innovative energy solutions. We are creating a safer future for our people, partners and communities.
From left to right: Jessica DaSilva (EHS lead), Tyler McGregor (captain of the Canadian sledge hockey team), Samantha McGuire (EHS manager) and Marc Parizeau (vice-president of health, safety and environment).
Norm Keith continues to strive for safer workplaces
Norm Keith’s career in occupational health and safety (OHS) law spans more than 40 years. In that time, he has represented clients in civil, regulatory and criminal hearings, appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, authored 13 books and hundreds of articles on OHS law, spoken at conferences, and mentored countless young professionals who share his goal of improving the safety of workers across the country.
In addition to supporting law students and early-career lawyers, Keith has influenced the careers of many OHS professionals, teaching accident prevention and advanced OHS management courses through the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies. T his thr ee-time recipient of OHS Canada’s OHS Lawyer
of the Year award also helps OHS professionals keep abreast of key legal developments by authoring a regular column for the publication.
Earlier this year, Keith was recognized in two categories – labour and employment law and white collar defense – in the 2025 Best Lawyers in Canada.
OHS Lawyer of the Year Gold: Norm Keith, KPMG Law LLP
Norm Keith is an employment, labour and regulatory lawyer, and a partner at KPMG Law LLP, as well as a three-time recipient of OHS Canada’s OHS Lawyer of the Year award.
University of Ottawa embraces storytelling, meeting audiences where they are
The University of Ottawa’s health, safety and environmental management team faces a daunting task: engaging an audience of more than 48,000 students, 10,000 staff and third-party vendors with timely information to help keep the campus community safe.
The team communicates about health and safety in different environments – from classroom and laboratory settings, to sports and recreation facilities, and residences and foodservice establishments – and tailors messaging to the various types of work required to keep the campus humming. And, since bilingualism is a strategic pillar of the university, all communications are provided in both English and French.
“It’s a complex and challenging environment,” says Graham Nelson, director of health, safety and environmental management. “Trying to make the message impactful has been an important part for us in order to differentiate a bit.”
One way the team does this is by integrating current events into their communications. Content linked to last year’s summer Olympics in Paris and total solar eclipse allowed the team to disseminate important health and safety information linked to topics that were already top-of-mind for many people.
Pop culture tie-ins have also proven popular. For example, the team prepared a satirical article entitled “10 times that Star Wars breached the OHSA” to coincide with May the Fourth (an unofficial global holiday celebrating all things Star Wars that plays off the film’s catchphrase “May the force be with you”), and a holiday-themed article titled “What we learned about safety watching Home Alone.”
Nelson says this approach is validated
when colleagues recall seeing an article and can share back its key messages.
Changing up channels
In addition to articles, the team leverages video, social media, internal newsletters, and posters to share information. And the university’s health and safety tool has been auto-deployed to the institutional Microsoft Teams application that’s available to all employees and students, putting important information about emergency preparedness, joint health and safety committees, and more in one easy-to-access location.
Virtual and in-person events are also important avenues to disseminate health and safety information. An annual Safety Week features engaging activities for the entire university community, including training sessions, special events, a Jeopardy! game and PPE displays. The week culminates in a celebratory barbecue for campus health and safety leaders.
The team is diligent in collecting feedback about their efforts across touchpoints.
“The feedback is really good … It gets you energized as a team to see people are interested and paying attention, and then we continue building on that,” says Catherine Bernard, senior manager of occupational health and safety.
Pursuing continuous improvement
One of the keys to the team’s success is their in-depth knowledge of their audience. But, as Sana Masmoudi, lead specialist in change management for the university’s chief risk officer, shares, there’s still a time and place to seek input from people who may be better acquainted with that audience by the nature of their day-to-day work.
“I don’t interact directly with students or professors, but I collaborate with colleagues from across campus who do. Their perspectives are essential in helping us see when a message may not resonate, and we adjust accordingly,” she says
The University of Ottawa’s health, safety and environment team serves an audience of more than 58,000 stakeholders with engaging safety communications.
Best Safety Communications Program Gold: University of Ottawa Silver: SLB
Jaya Khemchandra is mentoring a new generation of health and safety professionals
If student evaluations are any indication, Jaya Khemchandra is fulfilling her goal of giving students the practical experience they need to thrive in their health and safety careers upon graduation from George Brown College.
For the past two years, Khemchandra has been working at the school part-time as a professor of occupational health, safety and wellness, in addition to her full-time job as occupational health and safety leader at Metrolinx. She credits her role at Metrolinx with providing real-world scenarios she can share with students to support their learning.
“I bring a lot of my real-world experiences into the classroom,” says Khemchandra. Hands-on work is a hallmark of her courses.
“A lot of traditional learning is from a textbook and lecture notes, with online tests, but I give [students] a lot of field work to do so that they’re gaining the practical experience that, in my experience, would have made me a stronger professional coming out of school.”
Khemchandra also draws on her professional designations – including Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), ISO 45001 internal auditor and Canadian Mental Health Association Psychological Health and Safety Professional – to support her students. She is a mentor to many, dedicating time outside of class to helping them understand course material and address opportunities and challenges they’re facing in their careers. She notes, “I’ve been in their shoes. I use the approach, ‘What would I have wanted from my professors and instructors when I was a student?’ and that’s what I aim to emulate in the classroom.”
By all accounts, it seems to be working. Khemchandra’s nomination for OHS Educator of the Year was peppered with student reviews praising her engaging teaching style, thorough explanations of challenging concepts, and personal connections with students.
The road to teaching
Khemchandra got her start teaching through the City of Toronto, where she spent 10 years developing curricula and teaching technical courses on topics such as lockout/tagout, confined spaces and working at heights. During this time, she was also a Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development-approved joint health and safety committee certification trainer. Khemchandra credits these experiences with helping her get comfortable at the front of a classroom.
“That built my confidence, as well as my ability to relate to learners,” Khemchandra says. “We’re talking about 40,000 employees across the city from different divisions – you
learn a lot, you learn to relate to people, and you learn what works and what doesn’t.”
She notes there are subtle differences between teaching the learners she’s encountered through her roles at the City of Toronto and Metrolinx and the George Brown post-graduate students, and tailors her approach to match the audience. That may mean covering a challenging concept more slowly with students, or making class time available for colleagues who have first-hand experiences to discuss them with their peers.
Advice for aspiring educators
If you’re considering following a similar path to Khemchandra, her advice is simple: “Give it a shot ... It’s a very fulfilling role.”
OHS Educator of the Year Gold: Jaya Khemchandra, George Brown College Silver: Niclas Manson, Manson Methods/University of Toronto Silver: Perry Pollard, Newfoundland Power Inc.
Jaya Khemchandra is OHS Educator of the Year for 2025.
Brian McConnell leads with a passion for safety
Brian McConnell is a big proponent of continuous improvement, b oth in his own career, and within Strike Group, a provider of energy and industrial construction and maintenance services, where he works as vice-president of health, safety and environment (HSE).
McConnell has a reputation for leveraging his background in psychology and human resources to bring a human-centered approach to safety at Strike Group’s 24 locations across Western Canada.
“I don’t think there’s anybody out there that doesn’t want to be on a safe site and doesn’t want to do their job safely, but you need to approach it in a co-operative manner and work with people to find the best solutions,” McConnell says. “You have the same goal, but you may have different ways to get there, and the most impor tant thing is to work together as a team.”
M cConnell’s approach is proving effective: in annual surveys conducted over the last three years, 96 per cent of Strike Group’s employees have agreed safety is a top priority for the company.
Engaging workers
McConnell prioritizes getting workers to engage with and buy into safety programs. In 2021, he was part of a team that re-vamped Strike Group’s safety observation card program, tying a $0.50 charitable donation to each submission. In 2024 alone, employees submitted more than 69,000 safety observation cards, resulting in $36,000 in donations to food banks, women’s shelters, and Indigenous programs across Western Canada. Since 2021, the company has donated more than $170,000 through this initiative.
“Obviously the main focus of the program is safety observations, but it’s also really nice to be able to give back where we’re working,” says McConnell.
A long with the Strike management team, McConnell focused on securing buy-in for mental health and suicide prevention – two major areas of concern among those in the construction sector. To that end, Strike partnered with the Buddy Up Campaign and the Thumbs Up Foundation to work toward improving the conversation around mental health. McConnell also spearheaded Strike Gr oup’s participation in the Canadian Mental Health Foundation’s 2025 Push-up Challenge, fundraising more than $13,000 while boosting awareness about suicide prevention and combating stigma around mental health.
T hen there’s Strike Group’s safety ambassador program – a peer-nominated initiative that recognizes employees who go above and beyond expectations in support of safety. Since the program’s founding in 2022, the company has celebrated 30 ambassadors, reinforcing safe behaviours across the organization and encouraging colleagues to recognize one another’s
efforts to create safer workplaces.
McConnell has also moved the needle by championing an employee-suggested initiative to make the company’s HSE resource library accessible via QR code.
The scannable codes can be found on personal protective equipment, machinery and tailgate forms, making it easy for field staff to access policies, safe work practices and key forms instantly. And the initiative doesn’t just eliminate barriers that may prevent Strike Group staff from accessing information.
“ The information is available to everybody – our e mployees, our contractors, our clients, an yone else in the industry that wants to use it. It’s all open and accessible,” McConnell says.
Life-long learning
McConnell has earned his National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO), Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), and Manufacturing Safety Officer (MSO) designations. He’s also completed the occupational health and safety certificate from the University of Alberta, the human resources management graduate certificate from Humber Polytechnic, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Dalhousie University.
“Every day I still find something that I don’t know or something that I could do better, so the focus is to keep improving and keep learning,” McConnell says.
“People say you overestimate what you can get done in five months, but you underestimate what you can get done in five years, and I think that’s true in safety,” he adds. “I think it’s really easy to focus on things you don’t like today instead of thinking about the future, what you want, and how you can get there.”
Brian McConnell is vice-president of HSE at Strike Group.
OHS Professional of the Year Gold: Brian McConnell, Strike Group
Silver: Craig Sparks, Maple Reinders
Silver: Nisa Karan, Cobra Safety
PHOTO: STRIKE GROUP.
Celebrating the Best in Workplace Safety
Frank Perricone leads with safety at the forefront
Founder Frank Perricone has spent the last 27 years building a culture of accountability, care and operational discipline at Percon Construction Inc. Through more than 150 large-scale projects, ranging from transit facilities, hospitals and educational facilities to retirement residences and long-term care homes, safety has remained a priority – and it shows.
Last year, the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) awarded Percon
Construction its Milestone Award for surpassing 500,000 hours worked with no lost time injuries
The company also participates in the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Health and Safety Excellence Program, which helps organizations improve workplace health and safety and earn rebates on WSIB premiums.
Perricone is credited with creating the company’s people-first culture through hands-on leadership
and sincere interest in employee w ell-being. The twice-yearly golf tournaments, group outings to baseball and hockey games, and team dinners that are integral to the company’s culture also help create an environment where employees connect with one another on a personal level.
Together, these factors foster trust, loyalty and a shared commitment to excellence that permeates the organization
CEO OF THE YEAR – FRANK PERRICONE
Percon Construction Inc. proudly celebrates its Founder, President, and CEO, Frank Perricone, on being named CEO of the Year. A visionary leader and respected industry professional, Frank exemplifies operational excellence, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to both people and purpose.
With more than 35 years of experience in the construction industry, Frank is a licensed Professional Engineer and Gold Seal Certified Project Manager. Under his leadership, Percon, now in its 28th year of business, has consistently delivered complex public and private sector projects distinguished by quality, innovation, and integrity.
Frank’s impact extends beyond project execution. He has cultivated a warm and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel genuinely valued, demonstrating the hallmarks of exceptional leadership.
“As a general contractor, many might assume that the most important part of our work is executing a proper build. In reality, our highest priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of every worker on our sites, making certain that everyone goes home safely to their family and friends each day.”
TOP 25 UNDER 40 – VITTORIA LOSIGGIO
Vittoria Losiggio is recognized as one of Canada’s Top 25 Under 40 Safety Professionals, a distinction that highlights her leadership and influence in advancing occupational health and safety. At Percon Construction Inc., she is driving a culture that goes beyond compliance, positioning health and safety as a defining value of the company.
Through her vision and commitment, she is transforming Percon’s approach to safety, setting new benchmarks for performance and raising standards across the industry. Guided by the principle that every worker returns home safely at the end of each day, Vittoria continues to shape the future of occupational health and safety while reinforcing Percon’s reputation as an industry leader.
“Safety has always been at the core of my work since joining the construction industry as a safety professional. Being recognized with this award is a heartfelt reminder that the dedication I bring to creating a safe environment truly makes a difference.”
Frank Perricone is the founder, president and CEO of Percon Construction Inc.
CEO of the Year
Gold: Frank Perricone, Percon Construction Inc.
Silver: Sherif Morcos, Sanitation Pros Inc.
Silver: Mike Roberts, BC Municipal Safety Association
Purolator puts psychological health and safety first
If you need proof of Purolator’s commitment to creating a psychologically safe workplace, look no further than the 37,000-plus hours of mental health training the company has delivered to all employees.
What do those hours add up to? For starters, over 700 leaders received The Working Mind for Managers training through the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and 187 employees across 101 locations received training in mental health first aid.
The company also boasts 95 members in its network of well-being champions – volunteers who support their team’s health and well-being, and have access to virtual, on-demand training so they can upskill as needed.
Then there are the company’s routine wellness workshops. Workshops cover topics such as mental health, burnout, resilience, and self-care, and are open to both employees and their families. Workshop recordings are posted online for those who can’t attend live, or who want to revisit key topics after the live sessions.
Throughout the year, Purolator also hosts campaigns to support mental health.
In May 2024, the company’s health and safety teams partnered with wellbeing champions and mental health first aid
responders to plan activities around Mental Health Awareness Week. The teams also worked together to develop and deploy posters and resource kits for every terminal across the country, focusing on the interconnectedness of mental health and physical safety.
In October 2024, Purolator’s Healthy Workplace Month campaign challenged employees to participate in events tied to
The company has seen a 57 per cent drop in urgent counselling since 2021, and a 40 per cent drop in the duration of mental health long-term disability since 2020.
emotional well-being, inclusivity, sustainability, and healthy habits. The result? Employees completed more than 4,000 challenges that month.
Together, all these efforts are helping Purolator move the needle on key metrics. The company has seen a 57 per cent drop in urgent counselling since 2021, and a 40 per cent drop in the duration of mental health long-term disability since 2020.
P urolator also reports a 16 per cent drop in mental health prescription claims since 2021.
A s one anonymous employee noted about the company’s programs, “Purolator Health helped me take my health more seriously and gave us a space to talk about mental health without shame.”
While Purolator has made great strides in creating a psychologically safe workplace for its employees, the company aims to go further. This year, it will publish its full mental health strategy, freely sharing information to help other employers create psychologically safe workplaces too.
PHOTO: PUROLATOR INC.
From left to right: Kevin Calloo, John Ferguson, Roger Alouche, Ryland McLaren, Ann-Marie Smith, Shaquana Burton, Michelle Heath, Leo Scorca, Tony Manful, Lyndsay Baetz, Dr. Shaan Chugh. Front: Ashley Wood-Suszko.
Psychologically Safe Workplace Award
Gold: Purolator Inc.
Silver: CAPREIT LP
Silver: EllisDon
Brock Canada makes hand safety a priority
Brock Canada strives to keep its workers safe by supplying them with the highest quality personal protective equipment (PPE), and hand protection is no exception. That’s why the company, which provides multi-craft specialty and industrial maintenance services, works with a single manufacturer to offer a variety of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rated gloves tailored to specific tasks across multiple trades, such as scaffolding, insulation, protective coatings and blasting, fireproofing, abatement and facilities maintenance.
“ We firmly believe the products we use are the safest in the industry – that’s why we choose them. We don’t decide based on cost; we decide based on the fact that they work for the task being done and reduce injuries and harm to our people,”
says Cody Woolf, director of health, safety, en vironment and quality with Brock Canada.
The company procures specific types of ANSI-rated gloves in a variety of fits for the work they perform.
To guide workers in selecting the appropriate glove for a job, Brock Canada has an extensive program that identifies the ANSI-rated glove required to protect a worker’s hands while performing each task. This forms the basis for the company’s glove catalogue, which includes an easy-to-use process chart that matches each task with an appropriate glove.
“ It takes the guesswork away and ensures that our workers have the proper hand protection for the variety of tasks they perform on a daily basis,” Woolf says.
W hen the glove use program first
launched, the company registered a dramatic decrease in hand injuries. In the years since, this low er rate of hand injuries has held relatively steady. Woolf believes this is down to a few key factors: ensuring workers have access to high-quality pr oducts, and the company’s strong relationship with its glove manufacturers.
B uy-in is another important factor in the success of Brock Canada’s hand protection program. The HERO – Helping Everyone Reach Zero – program recognizes workers for going above and beyond, inter vening and improving safety on the job site. “We have amazing people who work for us that take safety to heart, and we want to ensure we recognize them for it,” says Woolf.
T hese efforts all feed into Brock Canada’s efforts to fulfill its motto: Bsafe.– Take it to Heart!
Best Hand Protection Program Gold: Brock Canada
Brock Canada’s glove catalogue includes an easy-to-use process chart that matches each work task with an appropriate glove.
Ashley Wood-Suszko is a champion for mental health in her community
Ashley Wood-Suszko is on a journey to progress our understanding and support for mental health in workplaces, schools and the broader community. She actively contributes to research and knowledge sharing in mental health through her PhD work at the University of Waterloo, as well as through professional and volunteer roles.
As senior manager of health and well-being and project lead for Purolator Health – Purolator Inc.’s flagship program to support
the physical, mental and social well-being of its employees –Wood-Suszko helped deliver more than 37,000 hours of mental health training to all employees. (To learn more about Purolator’s mental health strategy, see page 22.)
Then there’s her volunteer work with the Toronto District School Board, where Wood-Suszko leads the mental health committee at her children’s school. She
At Brock Canada, we believe a worker’s hands are their greatest tool and most valuable asset. Every task in our industry depends on them and protecting them is at the heart of our safety culture.
That’s why we are incredibly proud to be recognized by OHS Canada Honours with the award for Best Hand Protection Program. This recognition reflects the time, effort, and innovation invested into building a program that goes beyond compliance, it sets the standard.
Our hand protection program combines the latest in safety technology, industry-leading protective products, and a relentless commitment to training and awareness. The result? A program designed not just to reduce injuries, but to keep our people confident, capable, and protected every single day.
This award is more than a win for Brock Canada, it’s a celebration of our people, our culture, and our unwavering mission to ensure that every worker goes home better than they came in.
also designed and delivered mental health and selfregulation training to help teachers support students in managing their emotions, secured funding for 17 “calming corners” in classrooms, and transformed an unused classroom into a calming space for students.
Wood-Suszko says, “I’m passionate about bringing stakeholders together to collaboratively solve problems with purpose, ultimately building workplaces where people are safe, engaged and empowered to thrive.”
Community Leader Award
Gold: Ashley Wood-Suszko, Purolator Inc.
Silver: Nuala Reilly, Harbour Development
Silver: Marc Andre Ferron, Ferron SST
Ashley Wood-Suszko is senior manager of health and well-being and project lead for Purolator Health.
PHOTO:
Read the full stories at OHSCanada.com/2025-OHS-Honours.
SLB sets a standard for contractor safety
Contractor safety is critical to SLB’s success, so the company created a contractor management standard that applies to all of its contractors (including subcontractors). The goal of the standard is to define requirements so that contractors perform their scope of work in such a way that quality, health, safety and environment risks are identified, properly assessed, and adequately managed.
“Contractors are integral to the success of our operations, and we ensure they operate in a physically and psychologically safe
environment,” said Chawki Koulache, health, safety and environment manager for SLB. “The contractor management standard states how we select our contractors and outlines our expectations and requirements. This helps us to identify and mitigate risks during the contract or project cycle.”
The contractor management standard was developed by SLB’s central health, safety and environment team, and has had a “profound positive effect” on the company’s partnerships with contractors and vendors, while improving overall
Congratulations Craig Sparks!
On being selected as the OHS Professional of the Year, Silver winner
Craig Sparks is the National Director of Health and Safety at Maple Reinders, driven by a passion for helping people live healthy and fulfilling lives. He entered the construction industry 25 years ago as a welder/fitter and has since held various positions, including health and safety coordinator and labor manager.
Having firsthand experience as a tradesperson, Craig understands the physical and mental stresses faced by workers, including long hours and personal challenges. His journey in the field was greatly influenced by a mentor who guided him, inspiring Craig to support others in their careers as well.
In 2018, Craig assumed the responsibility of managing the national health and safety program, which led to increased engagement throughout the organization and improvements in safety culture. He is proud to work for Maple Reinders and appreciates the opportunity to work with such amazing people. In 2022, Craig was honored with the Doug Chalmers Award for his leadership in health and safety. He is actively involved with the Ontario General Contractors Association, the League of Champions, and various initiatives and committees associated with the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association.
For Craig, safety means that at the end of each day, every worker can sit at the dinner table and share with their families how great their day was.
safety performance.
“Our contractors also feel confident in what is expected of them, and this helps mature their competency within the company,” Koulache noted. “[Feedback] has been overwhelmingly positive, with most contractors appreciating our collaborative approach that has given them consistency in managing risks.”
For other organizations looking to improve contractor safety management, SLB recommends practicing open communication with both in-house teams and contractors to help build a common standard.
“ R emember: everyone you work with is a part of the company, and you are only as safe as your contractors and vendors are.”
“I am humbled and honoured to be recognized as a Silver winner in the OHS Professional of the Year category. This success comes from a foundation of support and teamwork. I want to thank the team at Maple Reinders, the OGCA, the IHSA, and Medcor Canada for their mentorship, friendship, and a limitless approach to providing workers with a safe and prosperous workplace”
Contractor Safety Management Program Gold: SLB Silver: TransLink Silver: Schilthuis Construction
Read the full stories at OHSCanada.com/2025-OHS-Honours.
Top 25 Under 40: The Class of 2025
Aaron Hamill
Aquicon Construction
A aron is the health and safety manager at Aquicon Construction, where he has helped the organization achieve a 65 per cent reduction in its total reportable incident rate, a 50 per cent reduction in first aid injuries, and a 95 per cent external COR audit score in 2022.
Outside of Aquicon, Aaron is involved with the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) labour management committee and COR stakeholder committee, the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) safety advisory group and its dropped object prevention sub-committee.
Abdel-Rahman Sabriye
Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Inc.
A bdel-Rahman is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), and is currently completing a Ph.D. in occupational health and safety, with research focusing on employers’ perspectives on ISO 45003 – the standard for psychological health and safety at work.
He is a board member for the Women in Occupational Health and Safety Society (WOHSS), a grassroots organization that advocates for women in the health and safety field in Canada. He is also involved in Workplace Health Without Borders (WHWB) in a communications aspect.
Adam Palmer
McMaster University
In his role as the lead of the faculty of health sciences safety office at McMaster University, Adam’s work impacts approximately 5,400 employees, including faculty, staff, researchers, and learners.
He also facilitates 12 joint health and safety committees across the school’s faculty of health sciences, including multiple locations on McMaster’s main campus, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton
General Hospital, David Braley Health Sciences Centre and at facilities in the Niagara and Waterloo regions of Ontario.
Adam also holds CRSP and Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designations, serves on the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services executive advisory committee, and is a member of the West Ontario Academic Health Sciences & Hospitals Education Network (WOAHSHEN).
Ashik Swamy Harbridge and Cross Ltd.
A shik developed and deployed a custom AI-powered chatbot to support site supervisors with real-time health and safety resources, transforming how safety information is accessed on-site. He also implemented tool tethering systems to prevent dropped object incidents and led the introduction of anti-fog safety goggles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ashik is a certified Gold Seal and NCSO professional, and serves as his organization’s lead COR internal auditor.
He also represents Harbridge and Cross at industry-level forums including IHSA and OGCA events, where he participates in discussions on safety standards and innovation.
Bhooma Raghavan
PTW Energy Services
Bhooma is a CRSP serving as a health, safety and environment (HSE) specialist at PTW Energy Services, overseeing 200 employees across three structural steel facilities in Calgary. She also teaches parttime in the occupational health and safety diploma program at the University of Calgary.
Her involvement in professional associations such as the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) and WOHSS includes volunteering in multiple capacities. Bhooma was a panelist at BCRSP’s National Education
Symposium in 2023, and contributed to the competency review for the CRSP exam blueprint in 2024.
Braden Smit
West Coast Reduction Ltd.
After spending two years as a mill operator and four years as an on-site safety co-ordinator, Braden took on a management role with West Coast Reduction Ltd., overseeing a team of four safety specialists across seven divisions and three provinces. Within the last year, each of these seven divisions obtained Certificate of Recognition (COR).
He achieved his CRSP designation in 2023, and is a certified first aid instructor, providing in-house training to workers at the WCRL Vancouver facility. His industryspecific approach to teaching first aid has equipped numerous workers with the essential skills needed to prevent and respond to first aid emergencies.
Chantal Aubut
University of Ottawa
Chantal has a unique ability to inspire and motivate others, fostering a culture of safety and accountability. Chantal has been integral to supporting an update of the university’s laboratory design and construction guidelines, in collaboration with the facilities and faculty teams. Chantal has also helped manage the workplace accident, investigation, and claims management processes, and taken a leadership role in the management and evolution of the institution’s chemical inventory.
C hantal recently achieved the CRST designation.
Curtis Koskie
SCH Maintenance Services Ltd.
In his role as health and safety manager at SCH Maintenance Services Ltd., Curtis spearheaded the company’s COR
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certification in just six months. He also implemented a variety of proactive risk mitigation strategies that helped the organization reach 55 months without a lost-time injury.
He is involved in the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA) best practices committee and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways workzone signing committee.
Curtis also mentors the next generation of safety professionals, supporting training and peer coaching programs, and supporting Saskatchewan Polytechnic health and safety students for their practicums.
Edelnario Jr. Garcia City of Toronto
Edelnario (Del) is a health and safety field representative for the city of Toronto, a pr ofessor at Anderson
College, and a CRSP.
He offers free CRSP and Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) preparatory classes to those eager to pursue higher OHS designations in Canada, and founded a Filipino occupational health and safety (OHS) group that meets monthly, providing a platform for collaboration and professional growth and opportunities to network with other OHS professionals.
Del was recently elected to the BCRSP committee for internal audits.
James Marles
Carmichael Engineering
James is a CRSP and associate ergonomist working as the eastern Ontario environmental health and safety manager for Carmichael Engineering. In 2024, his efforts helped the company reduce total recordable injury rates by 46
per cent and lost time injury rates by 52 per cent.
James self-published The Pain-Free Office to help workers improve the ergonomics of their desk set ups, and manages a personal blog where he shares insights, technical talks, and general safety knowledge.
Additionally, James has been an active member of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) ISO 159: ergonomics technical committee since 2022, and serves on C onestoga College’s occupational safety, health and wellness program advisory committee, where he offers insights on health and safety in the workplace.
Jason Moraes
Mattamy Homes
Jason is advancing and shaping construction health and safety as health
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and safety manager at Mattamy Homes’ low rise division. He holds a bachelor of occupational health and safety from Toronto Metropolitan University, and now mentors students in the program.
Jason maintains active memberships with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and Health and Safety Professionals Canada (HSPC), and is working towards earning his CRSP designation in 2026.
Justin Brusatore
GHD
A s GHD’s regional HSE manager for Western Canada, Justin has consistently demonstr ated exceptional leadership, technical depth, and forward-thinking innovation across a geographically and operationally complex portfolio. He has led the region, which includes nine business groups, four provinces, and more than 250 staff, through more than 1.24 million hours without a recordable incident.
Justin has also contributed to national policy updates on violence, harassment, and bullying, and acts as one of GHD’s HSE representatives for enterprise-wide AI adoption, piloting tools that bring practical, localized improvements across all areas of HSE.
Kimberly Neal
Cachet Homes
Kimberly is health and safety manager at Cachet Homes, lead ing development and implementation of a comprehensive health and safety program. Her efforts have helped the company achieve an impressive 70 per cent reduction in workplace incidents over the past 18 months.
Kimberly also volunteers her time with the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) health and safety committee to help create a safer workplace for all construction workers in Ontario.
She is a CRSP and is working towards her NCSO designation this year.
Leslie Dibling
AMC Services
A s director of organizational development at AMC Services, Leslie fosters innovation and collaboration while addressing skill gaps through continuous learning initiatives.
Leslie is widely regarded as a thought leader in the construction industry and is frequently invited to speak at CONex, The Buildings Show, and conferences hosted by organizations such as the Ontario Sewer & Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA) and the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC). Her work has been featured in industry publications across North America.
Matthew Duffy
Mersey Seafoods Limited
Matthew has dedicated his career to improving safety in Nova Scotia’s seafood industry. During his tenure at Fish Safe NS, he focused on educating workers about the importance of PPE, especially personal floatation devices and emergency rescue equipment found on commercial boats.
In 2023, Matthew joined Mersey Seafoods, where he oversees safety for their offshore fishing boats, shipyard and processing plant.
He also volunteers on Safety Services Nova Scotia’s board, and with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary - Maritimes Region.
Mehmet Alp Lodi
HSE Elements Inc.
Alp consistently exemplifies a commitment to safety both in the field and the office. Whether working directly with clients, training staff, or developing new safety programs, he always strives to improve the lives and well-being of those around him.
Outside of the workplace, he organized a free event for the Turkish community to raise awareness about safety across various industries. The event, which drew over 50 attendees, including business owners, was
a powerful platform for highlighting the importance of safety practices in the workplace. His initiative was so well-received that it garnered recognition from the Turkish ambassador and the Consul General of Toronto, both of whom commended his efforts in promoting safety and breaking down barriers within the community.
Nathan Kolar
Public Services Health and Safety Association
Nathan has developed resources for joint health and safety committees to assess psychosocial hazards and launched digital-first assessments and incident reporting tools for psychological health and safety. His work has strengthened safety standards and empowered hundreds of public service sector workers and supervisors with essential knowledge and best practices for creating safer and more supportive workplaces.
Nathan also plays a key role at both the provincial and national levels, serving as a member of the Conference Board of Canada’s Council on Workplace Health and Wellness, the technical committee for Canada’s National Standard on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, an d the Ontario Workplace Health Coalition. Through these platforms, he advocates for emerging research and advances best practices in workplace health and safety.
Niclas Manson
Manson Methods Inc./Safety First Training
Niclas is a strong leader who combines technical health and safety expertise with real-world experience in his roles as founder of Manson Methods Inc. and owner of Safety-First Training.
H e was hand-picked to teach an occupational hygiene course for the University of Toronto’s master of public health program, and has partnered with Durham College to train more than 600 students in working at heights via a program that is
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now being considered by other colleges in the region.
Niclas is also a CRSP, Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), and Registered Occupational Hygienist (ROH).
Nicole Linman
Cantiro
In her role as senior organizational health and safety advisor at Cantiro, Nicole has developed comprehensive safety information packages, which provide all trades with tangible, real-world information to enhance safety awareness on the job. She also plays a key role in organizing mental health check-ins and has facilitated mental health first aid training to equip workers with the knowledge to address mental health issues on-site.
Nicole also contributes to the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) regional safety committee and the Day of Mourning ball hockey tournament committee
Nicole Urban
Halton Healthcare
S ince joining Halton Healthcare, Nicole has developed and implemented a safety program that has significantly improved staff well-being and injury prevention. Under her leadership, the organization’s lost-time injury rate dropped from 2.33 (2022) to 0.75 (2024/2025).
Nicole also led a focused strategy that resulted in a 70 per cent reduction in injuries related to safe patient handling –historically the organization’s highest area of risk.
A lifelong learner, Nicole pursues professional development and participates in provincial OHS networks and sector-wide initiatives to share knowledge and drive system-wide improvement.
Noor Herzallah
HelloFresh/Factor
As health and safety co-ordinator at Factor (HelloFresh), Noor played a pivotal role in implementing ergonom-
ic solutions and developing the fire safety plan to meet Ontario’s fire code and building code requirements, significantly raising safety standards across the organization.
Her leadership in incident investigations, using root cause analysis, has been essential in preventing future incidents and improving overall safety culture.
Noor holds a master’s degree in health, safety, and environmental engineering, along with ISO 14001 lead auditor and hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) certifications.
Roma Rana
CRH Canada
In addition to her role as occupational health and safety advisor at CRH Canada, Roma mentors students pursuing careers in occupational health and safety, helping them transition into impactful careers. Roma is also an active member of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC).
Roma serves as a peer mentor and community facilitator with WOHSS, fostering leadership and development among health and safety professionals, and spearheading strategic outreach programs designed to instill a culture of safety in organizations.
Stacia Gunn
MacKinnon & Olding
S tacia is a CRSP, NCSO and environmental engineer whose career has spanned multiple industries, including marine construction, energy, and general construction, where she has consistently driven meaningful change.
In her current role as health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ) manager at MacKinnon and Olding Ltd., Stacia has helped the company achieve 2.5 million hours worked without a lost-time incident, and a nearly 50 per cent reduction in its TRIF
Stacia has also made significant contributions to Nova Scotia’s safety landscape, managing the development and content
of the province’s first OHS app in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, and serving on the board of the Nova Scotia WCB as well as its key performance indicator (KPI) committee.
Tsitsi Pena
Journey to Zero Safety Solutions Inc.
Tsitsi’s journey in the OHS field began shortly after completing her master of public health in occupational and environmental health at the University of Toronto. Today, she leads the national consulting firm Journey to Zero Safety Solutions Inc., helping organizations reduce lost time injuries, improve TRIFR, and introduce scalable leadership training programs.
S he is also chief prevention officer (CPO)-approved to deliver working at heights training.
Tsitsi is a multi-year community sponsor and walker for Threads of Life’s Steps for Life fundraiser, and created the Mwana Wa’Mai Scholarship to support post-secondary students of African descent. She regularly mentors safety professionals pursuing the CRSP and offers monthly mentorship hours for new grads and professionals entering the field.
Vittoria Losiggio
Percon Construction Inc.
Vittoria has been serving as an occupational health and safety co-ordinator at Percon Construction since 2020, where she has led the company through annual Certificate of Recognition (COR) audits, including the transition to and achievement of COR 2020 certification in 2023. Since Vittoria joined the company, it has maintained a zero losttime injury record — an achievement she is committed to upholding.
Vittoria also contributes to the broader safety community by participating in the OGCA safety advisory committee.
She is currently pursuing her NCSO designation.
Ontario company fined $144,000 after furnace explosion
injures two workers
Metex Heat Treating Ltd., a company that does heat treatment on metal parts and fasteners, has been fined $144,000 after two workers were seriously injured in a flash fire while re-starting a furnace.
On Jan. 5, 2023, the workers were re-starting a furnace that had been shut down for several weeks. The furnace used a gas combination, including hydrogen for combustion and a petroleum-based oil quench tank, both of which posed flammable risks.
The established procedure required purging the furnace with nitrogen before igniting the pilot light. One worker completed the purge but delayed ignition, which allowed residual flammable vapours to collect in the furnace.
When the pilot light was lit, a flash fire occurred, injuring both workers.
One worker had been provided with flame-resistant coveralls. The other had not been provided coveralls and was wearing clothing that was not suitable for protection against flash fires.
Metex did not provide adequate protective clothing to all workers engaged in furnace operations or working near a furnace, contrary to section 25(2)(h) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act . The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.
Paving
company
fined $115,000 after workplace fatality
769550 Ontario Ltd., operating as Ottawa Pavemaster, has been fined $115,000 after a worker was fatally injured by a reversing truck.
On Aug. 15, 2023, the company was completing a driveway paving job. A company worker engaged in the project was walking along Desmond Avenue when he was fatally injured by a reversing dump truck.
25%
The
The truck was driven by a company employee who was backing up approximately 200 feet to connect to a float, a trailer used to haul drivable equipment. The driver was reversing the truck without the assistance of a signaller, another worker who would watch and alert on possible hazards. This led to the first
worker being fatally struck. Ottawa Pavemaster pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the driver of the truck was assisted by a signaller contrary to Section 104(3) of Ontario Regulation 213/91, an offence under Section 66(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Section 25(1)(c) of the Act states that “an employer shall ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed are carried out in the workplace.”
In addition to the fine, the court also imposed a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.
Ag company fined $25,000 for worker fatality
On Aug. 12, Ramage Land & Cattle Company Ltd. pleaded guilty in Regina Provincial Court to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.
The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on Aug. 23, 2023, near Walpole, Sask. A worker drowned as a result of entering a dugout on horseback.
The company was charged with contravening clause 3-1(a) of the regulations (being an employer, fail to comply with the duties of an employer at a place of employment including the provision and maintenance of a plant, systems of
work and working environments that ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of the employer’s workers, resulting in the death of a worker).
As a result, the Court imposed a fine of $17,857.14, along with a surcharge of $7,142.86, for a total amount of $25,000.
Ramage Land & Cattle Company Ltd. will also be establishing a $4,500 scholarship through Canadian Western Agribition in honour of the deceased. Further, there will be two educational articles published about the case.
victim fine surcharge required by Ontario’s Provincial Offences Act
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