NEW: First release of information on 2009 Western Conference on Safety

Planning is ahead of schedule for the next Western Conference on Safety and next year’s conference is looking to be the best yet! With speakers from across Canada and the latest in workplace safety information, you should be there.

Here’s just some of the topics and speakers already confirmed.

Subject to Change Without Notice

Opening Keynote Presentation

Countdown to Teamwork: by Mike Mullane, Former NASA Astronaut.

One of the most amazing presentations you will see. Weaving gripping and sometimes hilarious real-life experiences from his Air Force and NASA careers with captivating NASA video, retired astronaut Mike Mullane talks about the fundamentals of teamwork: guarding against a “normalization of deviance”, responsibility, trust, courageous self and team leadership. His presentation uses memorable events from the space program to drive home these hard-hitting lessons. You will walk away with a profoundly new way of looking at work related challenges.

Speaker: Retired NASA Astronaut Mike Mullane

The New “Impaired Driving” Issue: Managing Cell phones and Other Mobile Device Usage

Traffic collisions are still one of the leading causes of on and off the job injuries and fatalities. Recent studies have shown that using mobile devices while driving, whether hand-held or hands free, are as distracting as driving with a blood alcohol content of .08. With the growing use of cell phones and text messaging by employees while driving corporate vehicles and the resulting 400% increase in the risk of a having a traffic accident, this issue should be of interest to every organization.

Speaker: David Teater, VP, Aegis Mobility. Grand Rapids Michigan

Human Factors: What Are You Really Doing About Them?

Safety people are regularly challenged with ensuring the human aspects of safety are fully integrated into their safety management systems. So what are Human Factors? Why are they a fundamental component for building a strong safety culture? How does human error and behavioral issues fit into it? This session covers this and more!

Speaker: Dave Fennell, Senior Safety Advisor, Imperial Oil, Calgary Alberta

The Violence Risk Assessment: Putting Pen to Paper

Description to follow

Speakers: Kim Kennedy, Superintendent of Health and Safety, Engineering Dept, City of Vancouver, & Erin Hoess, OH&S Coordinator, Community Services Group, City of Vancouver.

Hearing Protection: A Change Is Coming!

Quick quiz! You are exposed to 100 dB of noise and wear an earplug rated for 30 dB of protection. How much noise is reaching your eardrum? It’s a question that strikes at the core of hearing conservation, yet most of us have little idea how different actual protection can be from what we expect. This session covers the reasons for any differences, proper fit of hearing protection and the new two-number NRR label and how to implement it into your Hearing Conservation Program.

Speaker: Brad Witt, Director of Hearing Conservation, Sperian Hearing Protection, San Diego USA

Safety 101: Primer for the New Safety Professional

Designed for the new safety practitioner, this informative presentation will lay the groundwork for further professional development by explaining basic concepts such as hazard recognition, evaluation and control (engineered, administrative and PPE). Grant will show how this model can used as a simple, stand-alone safety program, or as a framework for more sophisticated efforts.

Speaker: Grant W. Henneberg, CRSP, Manager, Health & Safety, Canada, Tenaris Calgary AB

Accident Investigations

Investigating accidents is one of the most important responsibilities of the health & safety professional. This interactive workshop is designed to give health & safety practitioners the information to: Describe the legal framework applicable to accident investigations, Describe the basics processes involved in investigating a workplace accident, Develop recommendations to reduce recurrence

Participants will be able to apply these skills to investigate a mock incident during this session

Speaker: Bruce Jackson Manager of Education & Development Services, Prevention for WorkSafeBC

Workplace health & Safety Crimes

Occupational Health & Safety law in Canada has been evolving since the passing of Bill C-45 into law. The first charges and convictions now in the law books, workplace incidents can be more than accidents, they can result in criminal convictions too! Norm Keith, one of Canada’s leading OSH lawyers (and the only practicing lawyer in Canada to achieve his CRSP) will provide an overview of the latest legal developments, cases and what you can learn from them.

Speaker: Norm Keith, BA, LLB, CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP (Gowlings) Toronto Norm Keith, BA, LLB, CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP (Gowlings) Toronto

Tuesday Keynote Presentation

Seven Humour Habits for Workplace Wellness

A fun, high energy presentation that spoofs personal growth and reminds people to take good care at work. You will laugh and enjoy an eclectic mix of comedy, song and experiential activities. You will hear about research and easy to apply concepts to improve your day to day in and out of the office.  Idea for people who provide service to others, are overworked or have been through a stressful for busy period.

Paul Huschilt, Toronto Ontario

Working With New Generation Workers

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Speaker: Barbara Semenuik Purcell Enterprises, Edmonton Alberta

Risk Homeostasis: the Theory, Evidence and Consequences for Effective Accident Prevention

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Speaker: Dr. Gerald J.S. Wilde, Ph.D, Professor Emeritus Queens University, Kingston Ontario

Worksite Safety Inspections

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Speaker: Speaker: Barbara Semenuik Purcell Enterprises, Edmonton Alberta

 

More sessions are being added all the time. Watch this space for the latest information!