THUNDER BAY, ON – The new Thunder Bay Health and Safety Conference hosted by Workplace Safety North (WSN) and Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) will be held on May 1 at the Valhalla Inn.
Themed “Building safer communities,” the conference focuses on trending topics in health and safety, including mental health, multigenerational workplaces, leadership and culture.
“The conference features a variety of health and safety keynote speakers,” says Chris Serratore, WSN Prevention Services Director in Thunder Bay. “A panel of community partners will provide insight into workplace mental health issues and how to do deal appropriately with them.”
Community Panel: Navigating mental health issues in the workplace
- Krystina Hunter, Mental Health Coordinator, City of Thunder Bay
- Kristine Baccar, Business Development Manager, Superior Strategies
- Tiffany Stubbings, Director Program Services, Canadian Mental Health Association (Thunder Bay)
- Evelyne LeBlanc, Crisis Response Manager, Canadian Mental Health Association (Thunder Bay)
Featured speakers
Big Daddy Tazz
Mental Health Advocate and Comedian
Described as “one of the most talented comics in the business,” Tazz has been speaking at fundraisers, corporate events, festivals and on television for almost 25 years. Known as the Bi-Polar Buddha, Tazz is equal part comedian and motivator, and likes to enlighten, educate and inspire audiences. With his newest endeavour “Stand Up Against Stigma,” Tazz shares why it’s time to educate, embrace and empower so that we can all stand tall – and give stigma a bad name.
Jim Lees
Intergenerational Wellness Specialist
The first wave of the newest generation graduated high school last June which means it is now possible to encounter five different generations in a workday. An understanding of how each generation differs from each other in terms of values, expectations and workplace behaviour is essential to leveraging everyone’s strengths and improving teamwork. Participants will learn key differences in work styles which will enable negotiating work relationships with more empathy and understanding. Live polling with audience via cell phone and tablet.
Alex Debogorski
Ice Road Trucker
Ice road trucker Alex Debogorski shares his experiences behind the wheel. From successful journeys to near misses that could have been tragic, Alex shares why safety is paramount especially when driving over ice in all types of weather, and how preparation for every trip is extensive – because his life and the lives of other people depend upon it. He shares humorous and important stories on why teamwork, communication, education, health and trusting your instincts will get you home safe and sound.
Additional sessions
- Choose your own adventure: Learning to lead through personal and team development
- Know your supervisor duties and responsibilities during Ministry of Labour investigations
- Burnout in the workplace: A focus on prevention
- Workplace violence and harassment: Then and now
- Innovative applications of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System: How drones can make work safer and more efficient
- Trade show from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm
For more information, visit https://www.workplacesafetynorth.ca/subsite/thunder-bay-health-and-safety-conference
