Admin – Event Calendar

Event Description:
Embark on your professional journey with confidence! The Workplace Occupational Health and Safety Society (WOHSS) and Seneca Polytechnic invite industry professionals to participate in a virtual event focused on shaping young health and safety practitioners as they navigate their first jobs. Volunteers are sought to share insights, experiences, and guidance on hot topics such as the first day, expectations, and other crucial aspects of launching a successful career.

Purpose:
This event aims to provide invaluable guidance to students and recent graduates entering the workforce in the health and safety sector. Volunteers will share practical advice, personal experiences, and strategies to help newcomers navigate their initial challenges and succeed in their first job.

Call for Volunteers:
Are you an experienced health and safety professional with insights to share about navigating the early stages of your career? We invite you to volunteer for this event and help shape the future of the health and safety workforce.

How to Attend:
Simply RSVP to this event - only those registered one week before the event date will be contacted.

Note: Limited spots are available, so register early to secure your spot!

Event Description:
Join us for an exciting virtual event organized by the Workplace Occupational Health and Safety Society (WOHSS) in collaboration with Seneca Polytechnic. We are calling for passionate volunteers to participate in a dynamic "Panel of Experts," where they will answer some of the toughest questions in safety. This unique opportunity allows professionals to shape the next generation of health and safety practitioners.

Date and Time: February 6th, 4:15 PM EST
Duration: 1.5 hours
Platform: Virtual (details to be shared with registered participants)

Purpose:
This event aims to provide students and young professionals with the chance to interact with seasoned experts in the field of occupational health and safety. The "Panel of Experts" will address challenging questions, share valuable insights, and inspire the audience to overcome complex safety challenges.

Agenda:

Welcome and Introduction:
Overview of the event and its objectives
A brief introduction to WOHSS and Seneca Polytechnic

Panel of Experts: Tackling Tough Questions:
Volunteers will sit on a panel and address some of the toughest questions in safety
Interactive Q&A session with the audience

Networking Session:
Participants can connect with the panelists and fellow attendees

Closing Remarks:
Acknowledgment of volunteers and participants
Information on how to get involved with WOHSS and Seneca Polytechnic

Call for Volunteers:
Are you a seasoned health and safety professional with the knowledge and expertise to tackle tough questions? We invite you to be part of our "Panel of Experts" and contribute to the development of the next generation of safety practitioners. If you're ready to share your insights, please send an email expressing your interest to volunteer@wohss-senecaevent.com by [deadline].

How to Attend:
To participate in this engaging event, simply RSVP below.

Note: Limited spots are available, so register early to secure your spot!

Don't miss this unique opportunity to be a part of the "Panel of Experts" on February 6th and contribute to the growth and development of young health and safety practitioners.

We are breaking from our usual monthly Friday session to allow host Jodi Huettner to attend the "Train the Trainer" education for the Be More Than A Bystander program. She now brings this firsthand knowledge to our Boots to Boardroom group on the very last day in January.

Jodi will raise awareness around workplace bullying and harassment, hold a space for meaningful discussion, share a fresh toolkit for the active ally, and provide resources to bring the BMTAB program to your workplace in 2024.

Call for Volunteers:
We are looking for seasoned safety professionals who are enthusiastic about sharing their experiences and insights with the next generation. If you are passionate about shaping young minds and contributing to the field of occupational health and safety, we invite you to volunteer for this event.

Date and Time: January 30th, 4:15 PM EST
Duration: 1.5 hours
Platform: Virtual (details to be shared with registered participants)

Event Description:
Join us for an engaging virtual event hosted by the Workplace Occupational Health and Safety Society (WOHSS) in collaboration with Seneca Polytechnic, as we invite passionate individuals to shape the next generation of health and safety practitioners.

Purpose:
This event aims to provide students and young professionals with valuable insights into the daily life of a Safety Professional. By facilitating an interactive session, we hope to inspire and guide aspiring individuals towards a successful career in health and safety.

Agenda:

Welcome and Introduction:
Overview of the event and its objectives
Brief introduction to WOHSS and Seneca Polytechnic

Keynote Address:
Inspiring words from a distinguished safety professional
Panel Discussion: "A Day in the Life of a Safety Professional" (4:45 PM - 6:00 PM):
Experienced volunteers from WOHSS will share their day-to-day experiences
Interactive Q&A session with the audience

Networking Session:
Participants can connect with the speakers and fellow attendees

Closing Remarks:
Acknowledgment of volunteers and participants
Information on how to get involved with WOHSS and Seneca Polytechnic

How to Volunteer:
If you are interested in being a part of our panel discussion, Simply RSVP to this event. A member from WOHSS will contact you with more details.

Note: Limited spots available, so register early to secure your spot!

Don't miss this unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of aspiring health and safety professionals. Join us on January 30th for "A Day in the Life of a Safety Professional."

Jennifer Ruszkowski, CRSP, CHSC, and advocate for psychological health and safety will be hosting WOHSS' first ever 'podcast "book" club'! We will take the time to listen to Episode 71 of the Psych Health and Safety in Canada and then dissect it with a group of HSE professionals!

Listen to the podcast in advance and on November 24th cozy up with your favorite beverage and get ready for an afternoon of networking and discussion around psychological health and safety.

Podcast link: https://www.psychhealthandsafetycanada.com/episodes/mindfulness-is-not-a-hazard-control-but-wait-with-corilee-fox

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 @ 12 PST/3 EST

🌟Rejoignez-nous pour une séance de yoga du rire avec Marylene Provost ! 🌟
Êtes-vous prêt à faire l'expérience du pouvoir joyeux et rajeunissant du rire ? Le yoga du rire est une pratique unique qui combine des exercices de rire avec la respiration du yoga, ce qui vous permet de vous sentir plus heureux et plus détendu. Nous sommes ravis d'annoncer un événement spécial avec Marylene Provost, coach certifiée, animatrice certifiée de yoga du rire et consultante en SST !

🎉 À propos de Marylene Provost 🎉
Marylene est une experte dans l'art du yoga du rire et a une riche expérience à partager. Son rire contagieux et son énergie positive vous laisseront un sentiment de bien-être. En tant qu'animatrice agréée de yoga du rire, elle sait comment créer un espace amusant et bienveillant pour que tout le monde se joigne à elle et expérimente les nombreux bienfaits du rire.

🤣 À quoi s'attendre ? 🤣
Des exercices de rire qui favorisent la joie et le bien-être.
Des techniques de respiration guidée pour favoriser la relaxation.
Une atmosphère positive et stimulante.
Des occasions de se connecter avec d'autres et de partager des rires.

💃 Qui peut participer ? 💃
Le yoga du rire convient aux personnes de tous âges et de toutes conditions physiques. Que vous cherchiez à réduire le stress, à améliorer votre humeur ou simplement à passer un bon moment, cet événement est fait pour vous ! Aucune expérience préalable en matière de yoga ou de rire n'est nécessaire. Il suffit d'avoir le cœur ouvert et l'envie de rire.

Répandons le bonheur, un rire à la fois ! Au plaisir de vous y voir ! 😄🤗🌞

🌟 Join Us for a Laughter Yoga Session with Marylene Provost! 🌟
Are you ready to experience the joyful, rejuvenating power of laughter? Laughter Yoga is a unique practice that combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing, leaving you feeling happier and more relaxed. We are thrilled to announce a special event featuring Marylene Provost, a Certified Coach, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, and OHS Consultant!

🎉 About Marylene Provost 🎉
Marylene is an expert in the art of laughter yoga and has a wealth of experience to share. Her infectious laughter and positive energy will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. As a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, she knows how to create a fun and safe space for everyone to join in and experience the many benefits of laughter.

🤣 What to Expect 🤣
Laughter exercises that promote joy and well-being.
Guided breathing techniques to enhance relaxation.
A positive and supportive atmosphere.
Opportunities to connect with others and share laughter.

💃 Who Can Attend? 💃
Laughter Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, boost your mood, or simply have a good time, this event is for you! No prior yoga or laughter experience is necessary. Just bring an open heart and a willingness to laugh.

Let's spread happiness, one laugh at a time! See you there! 😄🤗🌞

🌟 Join Us for a Laughter Yoga Session with Marylene Provost! 🌟
Are you ready to experience the joyful, rejuvenating power of laughter? Laughter Yoga is a unique practice that combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing, leaving you feeling happier and more relaxed. We are thrilled to announce a special event featuring Marylene Provost, a Certified Coach, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, and OHS Consultant!

🎉 About Marylene Provost 🎉
Marylene is an expert in the art of laughter yoga and has a wealth of experience to share. Her infectious laughter and positive energy will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. As a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, she knows how to create a fun and safe space for everyone to join in and experience the many benefits of laughter.

🤣 What to Expect 🤣
Laughter exercises that promote joy and well-being.
Guided breathing techniques to enhance relaxation.
A positive and supportive atmosphere.
Opportunities to connect with others and share laughter.

💃 Who Can Attend? 💃
Laughter Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, boost your mood, or simply have a good time, this event is for you! No prior yoga or laughter experience is necessary. Just bring an open heart and a willingness to laugh.

Let's spread happiness, one laugh at a time! See you there! 😄🤗🌞

Description:
Join us for the most anticipated event of the year as WOHSS (Workplace Occupational Health and Safety Society) members and health and safety professionals come together for an evening of networking, discussion, and camaraderie. This event marks our first in-person gathering since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we couldn't be more excited to reconnect with our peers.

Event Highlights:
Date: December 13, 2023
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM MST
Location: CHOP Steakhouse, South Edmonton (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Limited Spots: Only 12 spots available - reserve your place early!

Pricing:
Free for WOHSS members
$10 for non-members

What to Expect:
Dinner and a Glass of Wine: Enjoy a delightful dinner and unwind with a glass of wine as we celebrate the end of the year.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow health and safety professionals, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network. Please note that food and drink costs are not covered, but the company is priceless.

Unique Discussion Format:
This month's networking event will feature a unique twist - an open discussion on the "issues" you've encountered in your health and safety roles. What makes this discussion different is that it will be completely anonymous. We want to create a safe and open space for everyone to share their challenges, experiences, and insights without any reservations.

How it Works:
Anonymously Share Your Issue: We will email you a few days before the event, allowing you to submit your safety issue anonymously.
Interactive Discussion: During the event, our moderator will present these anonymized issues, and the room will collectively brainstorm solutions, share experiences, and offer support.
Collective Learning: This unique approach ensures that every participant has a voice and a chance to gain valuable insights into common challenges faced in the health and safety field.
Bring Your Business Cards: Don't forget to bring your business cards if you have them. This event provides an excellent opportunity to make lasting professional connections.

Please RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot, as we have a limited number of spaces available.

Join us for an evening of great food, excellent company, and invaluable insights into the world of health and safety. Let's reconnect, share our experiences, and work together towards a safer and healthier future.

We look forward to seeing you at CHOP Steakhouse on December 13th for this memorable event. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,
Sarah Frank
events@WOHSS.com

Calling all mentors and mentees!!! Not willing to make a 3-month commitment with WOHSS mentorship? Looking to get one pressing question answered? Looking to build your network? Sign up today for speed mentoring - a panel of experts (CRSP, CHSC, consultants, business owners) will be there to guide you through any question and any topic.

Once you sign up, your information will be passed on to our mentorship team where we will dive into questions you need answers to or what topics as a mentor you specialize in. On game day we will all meet and you will travel through breakout rooms meeting with experts and others in the industry.

This is a fabulous, no commitment event that allows you to develop skills and network with others in the industry. We cant wait to see you there!

*CRSP/CHSC: we can provide letters for professional development credit

Calling all WOHSS Women in Leadership - come together and resource one-another!

It's lonely on your way to the top, even more so AT the top, and doubly so for women in non-traditional fields like occupational health and safety.

To honour the expertise each of you have earned while getting into leadership roles in our industry, this session will bring our community of leaders together to learn from each other.
Topics to include:
-what style of leadership has been the most effective for you?
-how has your leadership style evolved?
-what are your go-to leadership tactics/tools?
-what have your biggest lessons learned been re: how to lead effectively as a woman?
-what is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in leadership, have you overcome it…and HOW?

We are open to any discussion on this topic that fulfills our mandate - to increase the representation of women in OHS roles from boots on the ground, right up into the boardroom. So be ready to share your leadership experiences and learn from the leaders in our community!

P.S. if you are NOT in a leadership role, you might not have a lot to contribute for this session BUT please do still attend and learn from our amazing community of industry leaders. See yourself reflected in their journeys, and be INSPIRED!

Join us for a groundbreaking event that combines legal expertise and usability mapping to address the Jason King case in New Brunswick. Loretta Bouwmeester and Jeremy Warning, esteemed Partners at Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP, alongside Klaus Hofer, CEO of Usability Mapping, will dissect the evidence and provide invaluable insights for health and safety professionals on ensuring proper usability of documentation.

About the Event:
The Jason King case in New Brunswick has raised critical questions surrounding health and safety documentation and its impact on workplace safety. This event brings together legal and usability experts to provide a comprehensive analysis of the case and equip health and safety professionals with the knowledge and tools to enhance document usability.

Speakers:
🔸 Loretta Bouwmeester - Partner at Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP
Loretta Bouwmeester is a distinguished legal expert with extensive experience in labor and employment law. She will delve into the legal aspects of the case and its implications for organizations.

🔸 Jeremy Warning - Partner at Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP
Jeremy Warning is a renowned expert in occupational health and safety law. He will provide insights into the regulatory framework and its connection to documentation.

🔸 Klaus Hofer - CEO of Usability Mapping
Klaus Hofer is a usability mapping pioneer with a track record of enhancing document usability in various industries. He will share practical strategies for improving documentation to ensure it is accessible and useful.

Key Topics:

📜 Legal Analysis of the Jason King Case

🧐 Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

📄 Document Usability Best Practices

💡 Enhancing Workplace Safety through Usable Documentation

Who Should Attend:
- Health and Safety Professionals
- Legal and Compliance Experts
- HR and Operations Managers
- Document Control Specialists
- Anyone Interested in Workplace Safety and Documentation Usability

Registration:
Secure your spot today! Limited seats are available. Zoom link will be shared a few days before the event!

This event promises to be an eye-opening experience for professionals concerned with workplace safety and documentation usability. Gain the knowledge and tools you need to make a difference in your organization. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from the best in the field and contribute to a safer, more compliant workplace. We look forward to seeing you there!

I am thrilled to have Trudi Rondou lead this informative, interactive discussion on psychological safety in the OHS realm with our group. Trudi Rondou is the senior manager of Prevention Consultation and Education Services, with a focus on psychological safety, at WorkSafeBC. She will be joined by her colleague Kira Berntson, who is stepping in for Amanda Kumar. Kira is the Prevention Field Services Manager and the manager of interest for psychological health and safety.

Trudi will be talking to us about the organizational, peer, and personal pillars of resilience we can all be working on in order to shore up our mental foundations. Together they will be sharing tools for improving your mental health awareness and tools for building individual resilience, as well as the resources that are available for mental health support.

As you know, our mandate is to increase women’s representation at all levels in OHS. We have seen psychological safety come up multiple times as a (somewhat hidden) barrier to advancement: from dealing with bullying and harassment, to reporting issues with PPE, to managing on-site injuries and even fatalities.

This session is one you WON’T want to miss, and please do invite other women, and allies, in OHS who might benefit from hearing this powerful message.

Terri Downton, having just delivered an outstanding Seminar - Intro to Claims Management, will gauge our community's interest in her follow-on seminar:
Claims Management - Stay at Work/Return to Work (in-person).

As we know, promoting stay at work/return to work is good for both the worker and employer. If you are interested in, or are challenged by developing an effective plan for your employer to help injured workers remain at work or safely return to suitable work, this session is FOR YOU! Improving your skill in this area may be an asset for you in your career path.

You might recognize Terri from her previous B2B session resulting in her first Intro to Claims Management Seminar for our community. Terri delivers engaging, interactive seminars on behalf of the BC Employers' Advisers Office, and in this B2B session she will walk us through the outline of her Claims Management - Stay at Work/Return to Work seminar which gives a deeper look into applicable claims management law, policy, and practices.

NOTE: it is recommended to have attended Terri's Intro to Claims Management seminar before this more advanced seminar. If you feel your work experience should let you jump past the intro level, by all means DO attend - your input over this outline is needed to decide whether or not to go ahead with the full (private) seminar for our WOHSS community!

This is the second and final part of the 3 hour Intro to Claims Management seminar, delivered by Terri Downton. NOTE: this course is a prerequisite to Terri Downton's Claims Management Seminar, which will be outlined in the September 29th Boots to Boardroom session.

This session will complete Terri's overview of the workers compensation claims process.

Topics covered:
-Introduction to relevant legislation and policies;
-overview of the claims management process;
-initial notification & reporting procedures;
-investigation requirements; and
-how to identify and manage claims issues.

The course is intended to introduce knowledge and skills to help employers manage an injured worker’s claim.

This 3 hour seminar, delivered over 2 sessions Sept 15 and Sept 22nd by Terri Downton, introduces participants to an overview of the workers compensation claims process. NOTE: this course is a prerequisite to Terri Downton's Claims Management Seminar, which will be outlined in the September 29th Boots to Boardroom session.

Intro to Claims Management Topics covered:
-Introduction to relevant legislation and policies;
-overview of the claims management process;
-initial notification & reporting procedures;
-investigation requirements; and
-how to identify and manage claims issues.

The course is intended to introduce knowledge and skills to help employers manage an injured worker’s claim.

In the wake of the CSA report on Canadian women’s experience with PPE, H&S Managers have an incredible opportunity to champion diversity and inclusion across industries with proper-fitting PPE.

Boots to Boardroom meets to identify and address real barriers women face today in OHS, with the goal of increasing women's representation at all levels. Poor-fitting PPE has been identified as a barrier that disproportionately affects women - contributing to poor physical and psychological safety, as well as their continued underutilization across industries.

Host Jodi Huettner is an inclusive standards activist and CEO of a women’s industrial safety coveralls business (Helga Wear Inc). In this session she will be leading questions to develop a value proposition for H&S Managers to use that will make buying/endorsing proper-fitting women’s PPE not only a no-brainer, but a value-add to their careers. This session is for H&S Managers who are interested in championing diversity and inclusion.

All session attendees will receive the final value proposition to take into their next performance review.

Topics to investigate with H&S Management:
-what threats/barriers need to be addressed before a company chooses to adopt women’s PPE?
-what PPE items are major pain points (eg: main offenders that show up in near miss/incident/injury reporting)?
-what items of PPE are the most challenging to source for proper fit?
-how are H&S Managers measured: Safety records? Representation (attraction/retention)? ESG Scores? Risk management? Budget/schedule targets? Other metrics?
-which players need to be included in making the decision to adopt proper-fit women’s PPE?
-what motivates H&S Managers to change their PPE buying patterns: Risk management? Price? Workplace diversity? Local/Canada made? Maximizing items per supplier? Supplier diversity? Gender-specific OR gender neutral PPE? Maximizing profitability?

CALL OUT TO THE WOHSS COMMUNITY

Members and allies, this is your chance to come to the (virtual) table with your industry peers and get your recommendations in to ensure that our sessions are delivering truly valuable, relevant content.

West Coast Champ Jodi Huettner will host the space for discussion on:
-what major changes are happening in our industry, and how can we help each other stay up-to-date
-what barriers are sitting in front of us right now (at home and at work), and how can we help each other eliminate them
-what professional and personal goals are we aiming to reach before 2023 year end, and how can we help each other get there
-which of our past session topics gave you results, or experiences worth repeating

Be ready to have an open, outside the box, discussion about your real-time needs, at home and in your OHS professional role, and let's curate spectacular future content together!

we are taking the month of June off to relax, go camping, visit friends, and stop thinking about work.
We hope you all do the same!

we are taking this month off to relax, go camping, hang out with friends, and not think about work. YAY!
Please do the same.

This is a condensed version of the BC Ministry of Labour’s Employer's Advisers 3hr seminar Intro to Claims Management Part 1, taught by Terri Downton.

Come out (virtually) and learn about the Intro to Claims Management seminar with our interactive and fun group! Terri will use an actual case study to outline the seminar in an engaging way. Topics include: intro to relevant legislation and policies, overview of claims management process, initial notification and reporting procedures, investigation requirements, and how to identify and manage claims issues.

NOTE: this is part one of a two part series Terri is offering our group on Claims Management, and you must have attended part one in order to attend Part 2 Claims Management - Stay at Work/Return to Work. Topics include: overview of applicable law, policy, and practises.

‌Join the Women in Occupational Health & Safety Society (WOHSS) for our Virtual 2023 Annual General Meeting on April 29th starting at 8 am PDT.

Registration is free of charge for current WOHSS members. Please RSVP to attend.

It's Women's Month! Let's close it out together by celebrating and supporting each other as women, something our community LOVES to do.

Keeping with tradition, you are encouraged to bring your personal success stories, your mentorship/mentee stories, your ally-ship stories, your book/song/podcast recommendations, anything that might elevate and support the group. OR...simply come prepared to be INSPIRED!

As promised, I will be doing a short reading from Hilary Peach's hilariously relatable new book "Thick Skin: field notes from a sister in the brotherhood".

Poetry readings are also highly encouraged.

Humans: the strongest link in your safety chain.
with Corrie Pitzer

The typical focus in safety is that the human being is our weakest link in safety, that their 'at risk' behavior should be changed to ‘safe’ behavior and we should train them to be vigilant, aware, focused. And to ‘make better choices’.

This notion flies in the face of the true nature of humans: skilled and naturally able to deal with risks, incredible brain power, and with a capability to deal with the dynamic risks of our work environment. No machine can and ever will do that and current approaches in safety are actually making the human being less competent, more exposed and dumber to deal with a complex world...that is only getting more complex.

This presentation will show the pathways to develop and increase the biggest safety defense of all: the human operator.

Savez-vous que WOHSS offre des services bilingues anglais et français ? Ven