Saint John, NB: The WHSCC is proud to host Duncan Hawthorne, one of the world’s leading authorities on nuclear power, at its 27th Annual Health and Safety Conference. Hawthorne, president and CEO of Bruce Power, Canada’s first private nuclear generator, will share his vision of building a workplace safety culture at a session at the Delta Brunswick on Tuesday, October 16, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Hawthorne is currently charged with the challenge of overseeing a $4.25-billion Bruce generating plant restoration project, on Lake Huron.
Mario Possamai, senior advisor to the SARS commission, will provide insight into what went wrong when SARS hit Ontario, and will outline an effective strategy for workplaces to mitigate the impact of a pandemic or other community-wide crisis. Possamai is a security consultant and certified fraud examiner who helped investigate the Bre-X gold mining fraud.
J.F. Kim Froats, director of heath and safety for McCain Foods, will share McCain’s health and safety orientation program, while representatives from Barrett Corporation will provide tips on setting up a workplace wellness program. Other industry experts will offer sessions on a diverse range of topics, including driving safety, critical task analysis, zero tolerance, heat stress and electrical hazards.
One of Atlantic Canada’s favourite humorists, Bill Carr, will entertain at the opening ceremonies on Sunday. Delegates attending the Monday banquet, featuring Bob Lambert, can look forward to a special appearance by an up-and-coming New Brunswick celebrity and greetings from Ed Doherty, the Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. The Awards Breakfast on Tuesday will recognize two New Brunswick companies and an association for their commitment to improving the health and safety of our province’s workers. The conference also features a trade show, with 30 exhibitors showcasing innovative health and safety products and services.
“Health and safety affects each and every one of us – our jobs, our families and our communities,” said Roberta Dugas, chairperson of the Workplace, Health Safety and Compensation Commission. “Through this consistently successful conference, the WHSCC provides the necessary resources and education to improve health and safety at work, and at home,” she said.” We are extremely proud of the calibre of speakers we are able to attract year after year, and look forward to the presentations during this, our 27th year.”