Saskatchewan Safety Council News Newswire

Cade Sprackman Safety Day Expands to a Second Community

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:58:43 GMT

Hudson Bay, SK – The 5th annual Cade Sprackman Safety Day takes place today at the Hudson Bay Community School, organized by Saskatchewan Safety Council.

Cade Sprackman grew up in Hudson Bay, SK, with his sister, two brothers, and loving parents. On January 27th, 2015, after recently graduating high school and moving to Saskatoon for a job, Cade was involved in a preventable workplace incident that took his life. He was only 18 years old.

The Cade Sprackman Safety Day sees community representatives from local businesses and organizations join teachers, parents, and volunteers in guiding students through an “Amazing Safety Quest”, an obstacle course with activities focussed on the early development of safety knowledge relevant to Saskatchewan workplaces and environments.

Participating high school students student’s also complete Career Safety Education – a series of free online workplace safety training programs that help establish a foundation of knowledge for any new worker by increasing participants' awareness of hazards and providing a baseline understanding of how to manage the risks present in a broad variety of industries.

Involved in the day’s activities will be representatives from Craig Home Hardware, Canadian Welding Bureau, H B Construction, Life Saving Society, Local Emergency Services, Osihcikewin Trades Training, the RCMP, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatchewan North Acquired Brain Injury, Saskatchewan Snowmobile Safety Association, hosts Saskatchewan Safety Council, the Town of Hudson Bay, and Weyerhaeuser.

For the first time, a concurrent Cade Sprackman Safety Day event is taking place in Assiniboia with help from representatives of 3M, Hutch Ambulance, Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association, Saskatchewan Safety Council, and local teachers and volunteers from Assiniboia Composite High School. The Council intends to expand to additional communities in 2025.

Weyerhaeuser in Hudson Bay are proud Champion-level sponsors of the Saskatchewan Safety Council supporting efforts to expand the Cade Sprackman Safety Day initiative throughout the region.

Media Contact:
Amanda Wood
Community Relations Coordinator
Saskatchewan Safety Council
awood@sasksafety.org
Direct line: 306-757-2982

Council Launches New Media Platform

Tue, 07 May 2024 19:36:20 GMT

2024-05-07: Regina, SK
Today, the Saskatchewan Safety Council officially launched a new media platform.

WP Saskatchewan is the ultimate guide to all things Saskatchewan. A truly unique, engaging, and FREE new publication format showcasing the best of Saskatchewan stories, subscribers can watch it, listen to it, or read it. Advertisers get the true-impression benefit of static on-page advertising with the audience engagement of popular video, on a platform that truly is Saskatchewan. It's the perfect platform through which to discover the province's hidden gems.

Each WP release will contain approximately 8 stories presented in multiple media formats about the people who work and play in the province of Saskatchewan. Story durations will typically range between 3 and 12 minutes and be free from annoying and distracting outside-party advertising. It can be subscribed to by anyone, is completely free, and as such offers cross-province distribution and beyond.

WP's have-it-your-way immersive experience brings the stories to life, and whether you are a proud resident of Saskatchewan, or a curious traveler looking to explore its many wonders, there is something in it for everyone. So sit back and get ready to be transported to the heart of Saskatchewan's stories! Visit wpsaskatchewan.ca today!

Although, not a safety publication, WP (Work & Play) Saskatchewan is a fund-raising production of the registered non-profit charitable Saskatchewan Safety Council (Charitable Registration Number: 11914-0382-RR). It serves the strategic priorities of the organization by creating community connections and provides a new platform upon which injury prevention messaging can be communicated.

“Mental Health Wellness Resiliency” Launches on the Council’s Online Learning Management System

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 06:00:00 GMT

The Council marks it's foray into the prevention of "Intentional" or "Inflicted" Injuries with this ground-breaking course.

Regina, SK -

The Council’s free online training catalogue expands with this mental health themed training course that features an all-Saskatchewan cast of hosts and participants.

The product of extensive research, collaboration, and audiovisual production, this new course seeks to inspire resiliency in it’s participants by examining the perspectives of different people who have found ways to focus on healing that ultimately builds resiliency. It is an introduction to a broad topic, to start our minds on a journey of understanding what it means to be mentally healthy.

Hosted by award-winning author, speaker, and mental health expert Allan Kehler, and featuring Saskatchewan residents who share their stories, struggles, and healing journey, the Council’s content specialists combine digital graphic arts, interviews, statistics, and hosted lectures to develop an immersive and engaging learning experience.

Participants are given numerous challenges to work into their daily routines that will further strengthen their health and ability to withstand the pressures of the everyday world. Along with teaching proven healthy exercises and skills, the concept of healthy choices and recognizing their significance is at the heart of this training course.

As a foundational course in the Council’s recently restructured Career Safety Education series, all new workers are given the opportunity to review and learn mental health strategies before making uneducated choices that lead to poor mental health.

The Council and its free programs are supported by the following multi-year organizational sponsors: CAA Saskatchewan; Crescent Point Energy; Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan; K + S Potash; Meridian Surveys; Saskatchewan Association for Safe Workplaces in Health; Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance; Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association SaskEnergy; and WorkSafe Saskatchewan.

Access Career Safety Education here: https://www.sasksafety.org/career-safety-education.html

Media inquiries:

Rory McCusker
New Media Specialist
Saskatchewan Safety Council
445 Hoffer Drive, Regina, SK, S4N 6E2
Phone: 306.757.2983, Cell: 306.596.4312
Email: rmccusker@sasksafety.org

The Council Adds “Retail Safety Training” to Free Online Catalogue

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Retail businesses employ approximately 11.5 percent of the Canadian workforce.

Regina, SK - The retail industry in Canada is one of the largest employment sectors in the country, and their employees are often young or new workers experiencing their first jobs. That is why The Saskatchewan Safety Council has developed a free online “Retail Safety Training” course, designed to efficiently provide new worker safety orientations to those who are new to retail work in Saskatchewan.

Taken as either part of the “Career Safety Education” series or as a standalone course, “Retail Safety Training” features wide-ranging online accessibility and only a brief time commitment from the participant. As a result, this 50-minute concise training course can easily be integrated into a new employee on-boarding process.

This training provides the necessary information to help retail workers make safe choices. Topics include:

Understanding best practices
Identifying hazards and how to eliminate them
Identifying ways to reduce risks
Understanding emergency response situations

Access Career Safety Education here: https://www.sasksafety.org/career-safety-education.html

New Training Aims to Curb Injuries and Damage on Saskatchewan Roads

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Free 60-minute “Safe Trailering” comprehensive online course covers the basics of backing, towing, hauling.

Regina, SK -Every year, inexperienced drivers purchase new ATVs, boats, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles in Saskatchewan. Then, often with little instruction on how to load and secure their new toys to the hauler, they go about learning to tow a trailer, sometimes at a significant cost in the form of property damages, injury to themselves or others, or worse.

Saskatchewan residents seeking valuable instruction on safely driving while towing a trailer will now have unincumbered access to a brand new and completely free training course developed by knowledgeable and experienced subject matter experts.

“This program is another excellent example of what the Council’s media team is capable of, and will no doubt save many people some time, money, and perhaps relationships. We’ve all heard the yelling that goes on in a campground when somebody who is frankly without a clue backs the trailer into a tree or bangs up a new boat,” commented Robert Weitzel, Director of Development.

Utilizing closed course demonstrations, multiple detailed camera angles, and digital graphic visualizations, this program covers topics such as:

Selecting the right trailer
Load distribution
Weight requirements
Completing walk-around inspections
Learning various types of hitch receivers and electrical adaptors
General best practices when pulling a trailer and maneuvering around roadways.

Whether new to towing a small utility trailer with supplies for a landscaping project, or navigating a Cabela’s or Walmart parking lot with a new “home on wheels”, everyone can find key takeaways in the Council’s free Safe Trailering program.

For those requiring driver or operator evaluations, the Council also offers fee-for-service in-vehicle assessments to provide feedback and document competency.

Paid group or individual training is also available both in person or as a webinar after which optional driver assessments can be performed.

Access Career Safety Education here: https://www.sasksafety.org/career-safety-education.html

Media inquiries:

Rory McCusker
New Media Specialist
Saskatchewan Safety Council
445 Hoffer Drive, Regina, SK, S4N 6E2
Phone: 306.757.2983, Cell: 306.596.4312
Email: rmccusker@sasksafety.org

Preventing Common Injuries to New Workers with Expert-Developed Training

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Free online course detailing employment in Saskatchewan reduces injuries and eases orientation for new workers of any age.

Regina, SK - New Workers in Saskatchewan will get a safe start on their careers, thanks to a modern online training course detailing the basics of employment in the province.

The made-in-Saskatchewan “New Worker Readiness” course serves two main objectives:

First, to help new workers understand employment in Saskatchewan. The course prepares new workers with an easy-to-understand overview of the official government of Saskatchewan legislation and guidelines relating to workers’ legal rights and workplace responsibilities.

Second, the course works to prevent injuries, acting as an introduction to hazard recognition and risk assessment. Both industry experts and Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (CRSPs) have contributed content to enrich the course with accurate and relevant information on workplace health and safety.

For Employers, when used to supplement some of a new employees’ onboarding process, this program helps to establish a foundation for working safely. It can save significant costs, and reduce the time spent answering questions. It is an ideal resource for new-to-Saskatchewan workers regardless of their age or industry experience.

For educators, the “New Worker Readiness” course features three 50-minute-long modules that fit perfectly into classroom and homework time for high school credit courses (such as wellness 10). Other curriculum connections and special project credits are available, verified by our education experts working closely with the Ministry of Education curriculum review team.

Course topics include:

Cover letter and resume building
Preparing for job interviews
Employment rules and regulations (schedules, paydays and overtime)
Taxes, paystubs, and bank accounts
Workplace health and safety
Injuries, harassment, mental and physical health
Hazardous materials and equipment
Workplace training

To effectively deliver the vast amount of information in “New Worker Readiness”, a variety of modern content delivery and engagement strategies were employed.

A course host appears on-location in common workplace environments such as retail, automotive, construction, cosmetics and fashion, healthcare, and education to demonstrate course concepts.

The Council’s content team utilized animation software and voice actors to create a welcoming classroom narrative as a homebase for the various modules of the course. This ‘classroom’ features fellow ‘students’ and their ‘facilitator’ who follow along with course material, playing out scenarios all relating to common questions and concerns that new workers will regularly face.

With this rich digital learning environment, participants are further connected to the course material through a variety of relatable conversation and examples. Video examples are paired with animated visualizations, on-screen icons and graphic elements, expert-delivered messages, and other modern storytelling elements.

Learn more about career safety education here: https://www.sasksafety.org/career-safety-education.html

Media Inquiries:

Rory McCusker
New Media Specialist
Saskatchewan Safety Council
445 Hoffer Drive, Regina, SK, S4N 6E2
Phone: 306.757.2983, Cell: 306.596.4312

Email: rmccusker@sasksafety.org
Website - YouTube - Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn

Creating a Province of Safety Excellence!

A Safer Future for New Saskatchewan Workers

Tue, 23 May 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Career Safety Education benefits from major restructuring effort

Regina, SK - Led by new statistical indicators which inspired expert-driven developments, Career Safety Education (CSE), the series of free online training programs aimed at reducing common workplace injuries, saw major expansion and improvements implemented in early 2023.

In addition to technology infrastructure changes, which necessitated significant updates to the CSE website, learning management systems, and internal administrative processes, new programs were added and the target audience for participation was expanded.

No longer aimed only at youth ages 14 to 21, Career Safety Education is now available via a new streamlined single-sign-on (SSO) platform to new workers of all ages across Saskatchewan, a change brought about by statistical indicators.

CSE also expanded to include two new foundation-building programs (New Worker Readiness; Mental Health Wellness Resiliency), as well as the universally applicable Hearing Protection training. The Industry Course list was also expanded to include the newly developed Retail Safety Training and Safe Trailering programs.

New Worker Readiness: Applicable to all new workers, this program was developed to help new workers understand employment in Saskatchewan by providing knowledge of their legal rights, workplace responsibilities, and information on workplace health and safety, while also serving as an introduction to hazard recognition and risk assessment.

Mental Health Wellness Resiliency: This program examines the perspectives of different people who have found ways to focus on healing that ultimately build resiliency. It is an introduction to a broad topic, to start participant's minds on a journey of understanding what it means to be healthy.

Retail Safety Training: The retail industry in Canada is one of the largest employment sectors in the country, and retailers are often a young or new worker's first job in Saskatchewan. This training provides the necessary information to help retail workers make safe choices.

Safe Trailering: This program covers topics such as selecting the right trailer, load distribution, weight requirements, completing walk-around inspections, learning various types of hitch receivers and light adaptors, and general best practices when pulling a trailer and maneuvering around roadways. It is a great resource for those who plan to pull a recreational trailer or utility trailer, or for workplaces that have employees towing small utility trailers.

For youth prior to their entry into the workforce, new workers starting in a new job or industry, or new Canadians just having moved to Saskatchewan, Career Safety Education results in the development of a workforce with an increased knowledge of hazards and a better understanding of how to manage risks.

The Council and its free programs are supported by the following multi-year organizational sponsors: CAA Saskatchewan; Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan; K + S Potash; Meridian Surveys; Saskatchewan Association for Safe Workplaces in Health; Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance; Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association SaskEnergy; and WorkSafe Saskatchewan.

Access Career Safety Education here: https://www.sasksafety.org/career-safety-education.html

Media inquiries:

Rory McCusker
New Media Specialist
Saskatchewan Safety Council
445 Hoffer Drive, Regina, SK, S4N 6E2
Phone: 306.757.2983, Cell: 306.596.4312

Email: rmccusker@sasksafety.org
Website - YouTube - Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn

Creating a Province of Safety Excellence!

All-Terrain Training for ATVs and UTVs

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 06:00:00 GMT

Council now equipped to deliver commercial utility vehicle training.

Regina, SK - After 10 days of intense training, the Council now has 4 highly qualified in-house instructors to deliver training competently and consistently on the safe handling and operation of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Utility Terrain/Task Vehicles (UTVs).

Through a repeated accreditation process, instructors will stay current on trends in the ATV/UTV industry and maintain their demonstration skills. Through community outreach they will continue the promotion of ATV/UTV safety with local clubs and riders.

Training is offered anywhere in Saskatchewan or can be provisioned at a location/facility set up to mimic the terrain students may encounter wherever they work. Thanks to property usage agreements in place with both the Saskatoon and Regina motocross clubs, training can be conducted on a variety of surface types.

More information on ATV/UTV training can be found at https://www.sasksafety.org/atvutv-commercial.html

Doctor Donates Property Valued at Nearly 1.3 Million Dollars to Saskatchewan Safety Council

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 06:00:00 GMT

Nearly 30 acres of land will accelerate development of the “Safety Centre of Excellence” project.

The west side of Regina becomes the future home of the “Saskatchewan Safety Centre of Excellence”, thanks to an unprecedented donation by local physician and surgeon Dr. Ronald Ailsby to the Saskatchewan Safety Council, a charity focused on injury prevention in Saskatchewan.

Dr. Aislby is no stranger to helping the people of Saskatchewan and others around the world. Having previously served as a Clinical Associate Professor in the College of Medicine for the University of Saskatchewan, the President of the Saskatchewan Academy of Sports Medicine, the Commanding Officer of 16 Medical Company, Primary Reserve of the Canadian Armed Forces, one of the team doctors for the Regina Pats and Saskatchewan Roughriders among many other roles including volunteering with Orthopedics Overseas where he taught surgical techniques in developing countries.

A long serving volunteer with the Saskatchewan Safety Council, Dr. Ailsby cites the centre as a much-needed home for the advancement of injury prevention education and collaboration.

“We think that it is really important to get a centre where we can work together”, says Ailsby. “We have a Province wide (injury prevention) program, but the development needs coordination and cooperation in order to really get the program going.”

Injury is the leading cause of death in people aged 1-34 in Canada, and a leading cause of hospitalization, impairment, and disability*. The “Saskatchewan Safety Centre of Excellence” will bring to the province a new multi-developmental facility designed from the ground up for injury prevention research, innovation, and education.

“This development will become the physical focal point and showcase of Saskatchewan’s injury prevention efforts and work to inspire others for continued innovation for generations to come,” says Ryan Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatchewan Safety Council. “This scale of undertaking may not have been possible for decades without the very generous donation by the Ailsby family. There are not enough words to properly express our appreciation for this level of generosity and what this will mean for future generations.”

“We are passionate about making Saskatchewan a safe province, a province that really does embody safety excellence,” said Robert Taylor, President of the Council Board of Directors. “With a project like this, we can promote safety, connect with the community, and provide services. Providing access to not just facilities, but expertise as well. We can move closer towards becoming a province of safety excellence.”

Click to learn more about the Safety Centre of Excellence.

For more information, contact:

Media inquires
Rory McCusker
New Media Specialist
Saskatchewan Safety Council
445 Hoffer Drive, Regina, SK, S4N 6E2
Phone: 306-757-2983
Email: rmccusker@sasksafety.org

Council Releases Free Online Ground Disturbance Training for Saskatchewan Workers - Learn Before you Dig

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 06:00:00 GMT

Watch the Media Event Overview - 4 min 38 sec.

The Ground Disturbance for Saskatchewan Workers online training program is the result of a collaboration between Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA), Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan (HCSAS), and Saskatchewan Safety Council.

For the past year, these three organizations have worked together to create a ground disturbance safety awareness training program aimed towards the education of new workers in Saskatchewan. The resulting program, freely available to all who wish to register, will be a key component in the Council’s Career Safety Education program for youth ages 14 to 21.

“New and young workers often find some of their first jobs in sectors that deal with ground disturbance concerns. Every year, we hear statistics of people being injured and sometimes killed in this line of work, but these are not statistics, they are our friends, neighbours, nieces, nephews, and children. Through this multi-agency collaboration and the financial support of the SCGA, we can make sure that every person who needs to take ground disturbance training to learn about the hazards and risks in their work, can do so without barriers.” – Ryan Jacobson, CEO, Saskatchewan Safety Council

By raising the awareness of both new workers and youth to the existence of underground or soil-related hazards, the parties believe there can be a reduction in the number of incidents due to underground utility strikes or soil collapse. As a result of this education, young and new workers will be more informed and aware of the hazards in work they may be asked to perform.

“The cost to the economy of these incidents is significant, but more importantly, there is also a risk of injury and even death from events that are most often entirely preventable,” said Derrick Mann, SCGA President. Mann added that developing safety habits when one is young “produces a lifetime of benefits” by that person becoming a role model to champion safe behavior.

For employers throughout the province, they can have confidence that this online resource has been designed and vetted by leading industry experts. It is a great way to improve workers’ general knowledge of ground disturbance concerns in a cost-effective manner.

“Our members are continuously involved with detailed projects that involve working around underground infrastructure for long periods of time,” said Natalya Uchacz, Safety Program Consultant, of the HCSAS. “As we see younger employees entering our industry constantly, this is a fantastic opportunity to build that safety skill mentality right as they start their careers.”

Young workers and those new to jobs that work in soil, who are pursuing careers in agriculture, heavy construction, residential construction, landscaping, or with companies that provide services to utility companies are encouraged to complete this free training course.

The online training is accessible 24 hours a day and offers a downloadable certificate upon completion. It can be completed on any computer, smartphone or tablet with internet access. By providing the training free of charge, any financial barrier is eliminated. The Ground Disturbance for Saskatchewan Workers program is now available on the Saskatchewan Safety Council website, www.sasksafety.org.

Career Safety Education provides universal access to completely FREE safety training for all youth in Saskatchewan between the ages of 14 and 21. Core program components are specifically designed by industry safety experts to address the most common injuries to new workers in their respective fields.

Currently, programs are contributed to Career Safety Education by Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan (HCSAS); Saskatchewan Association of Safe Workplaces in Health (SASWA); Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA); Saskatchewan Safety Council; and WorkSafe Saskatchewan.

SCGA is a non-profit member-driven association dedicated to ensuring public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of services by developing and promoting effective damage prevention practices related to ground disturbance in Saskatchewan.

HCSAS is an industry funded non-profit safety association dedicated to promoting the arts and science of safety to the “R” code employers of the Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board & their employees in order to try to reduce incidents & accidents that result in injury & property damage in Saskatchewan.

New President Elect, Robert Taylor

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:00:00 GMT

Regina, SK - Ryan Jacobson, CEO of the Saskatchewan Safety Council, is pleased to announce the election of Robert Taylor, BA, Canadian Registered Safety Professional, and Manager, Health and Safety at SaskEnergy, as President of the Board of Directors.

Robert has sat on the Council Board of Directors for 8 years, having previously served as Vice President and has over 12 years of experience with progressive responsibilities in the health and safety industry. As a current member of both the Canadian Energy Pipelines Association Safety Management Community of Practice and the Canadian Gas Association Health and Safety Committee, Robert will provide a thorough understanding of leading practices in effective safety program management and implementation.

The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance of the Saskatchewan Safety Council. The role of the Board is to guide the strategic direction of the organization in fulfilling its mission of creating a safe Saskatchewan in which to live, work and play. Directors are elected by the Membership to represent their collective interests.

Board of Directors (ordered by length of service):

Dr. Ronald Ailsby

Joseph Chan

Dr. Barry Heath

Kelly Mandzuk

Marc Milette

Jeff Peters

Robert Taylor

Ryan Jacobson

Kevin Mooney

SJ Hundal

Diana Anderson

Dr. Arnold Endsin

Tricia Gibney

Jonathan Sherman

Jason Matity

Catherine Davidson

President: Robert Taylor

Past President: Kevin Mooney

First Vice-President: Jonathan Sherman

Second Vice-President: Diana Anderson

Treasurer: Jeff Peters

Secretary: Ryan Jacobson

Executive Member at Large: Kelly Mandzuk

Saskatchewan Safety Council
Creating a Province of Safety Excellence!

About the Saskatchewan Safety Council
Since 1955, the Saskatchewan Safety Council, a non-profit registered charity, has been dedicated to the prevention of injury in Saskatchewan... at home, at play, and at work.

Funded through donations, membership contributions, sponsorships, and the distribution of safety programs and materials, the revenues generated by the Safety Council are invested within the province of Saskatchewan to further promote safety.

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Coronavirus – COVID-19: Update August 31, 2020

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 06:00:00 GMT

Shared facilities, office equipment, and common touch surfaces such as telephones, computers, reception areas, and washrooms, are receiving increased cleaning and disinfection
All staff must wash hands upon entry and exit of building
Decontamination Station for visitors is located at front entrance to building with hand sanitizer and mask distribution
Non-essential items have been removed from client waiting area, including magazines, brochures, promotional materials etc.
Plastic shielding has been installed around cubicles and in the point-of-sale area (front counter)
Seating capacities have been reduced in all areas to maintain a minimum physical distancing of 2 meters
Signage has been put in place to encourage physical distancing through the one-way movement of foot traffic throughout the building
Our high-risk staff continue to work remotely

Programs

The Defensive Driving training program is in full swing across the province with COVID-19 safety measures in place.
Fall Protection Training has been moved to our online Learning Management System and is now available free of charge.
Hearing Protection is now available online free of charge.
Work Zone Traffic Accommodation training is now available online.
Motorcycle: Basic Rider Training has resumed in a new blended learning format combining online with on-course practical training. Safety procedures put in place to comply with COVID-19 restrictions include: the new blended learning approach, allowing the classroom portions of the class to be completed online prior to the course date; a new location to accommodate the practical on-course riding portion; requirements to sanitize hands before entry and requirements for wearing face masks. Participants are also?encouraged to stay on one bike instead of trying out different styles of bike throughout the program. Our fleet of bikes are rotated through a quarantine cycle between courses and staff sanitize the bikes prior to a participant receiving it.
Respiratory Protection training is in the late development stages of transition to online and will also be made available for free.
Confined Space training is in the mid-development stage of transition to online. This program too will?be made available for free.
Supervisor-level workplace safety training is being delivered?online with live instruction.
Consideration is being given to transitioning the SkidSmart Collision Avoidance program to a blended format to greatly increase capacity as the demand for this program always outweighs availability.
Other training dates will be announced when we are ready to provide in-person training services and allow access to our office without compromising public safety.

Our staff is still available via telephone in Regina at (306) 757-3197; Saskatoon (306) 343-2023; or Toll Free: (855) 280-7115 Email: ssc@sasksafety.org

While there is a significant amount of information available to both businesses and individuals, the Saskatchewan Safety Council recommends utilizing only trusted resources to avoid confusion.

For members of the public we suggest you act upon the recommendations found on this Government of Saskatchewan public health webpage.

For concerned businesses we recommend the following trusted resources:
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
• WorkSafe Saskatchewan
• WorkSafe BC

Previously, we have made available resources such as:
Hand Washing Video
Fraud Video

Potential: The Council acknowledges the potential challenges and stresses brought about by situations such as these and will continue doing its best to be responsive, flexible, and cooperative in its effort to deliver quality training services and resources to the people in the province of Saskatchewan.

Coronavirus – COVID-19: Update June 10, 2020

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Shared facilities, office equipment, and common touch surfaces such as telephones, computers, reception areas, and washrooms, are receiving increased cleaning and disinfection

All staff must wash hands upon entry and exit of building

Decontamination Station for visitors is located at front entrance to building with hand sanitizer and mask distribution

Non-essential items have been removed from client waiting area, including magazines, brochures, promotional materials etc.

Plastic shielding has been installed around cubicles and in the point-of-sale area (front counter)

Seating capacities have been reduced in all areas to maintain a minimum physical distancing of 2 meters

Signage has been put in place to encourage physical distancing through the one-way movement of foot traffic throughout the building

Our high-risk staff continue to work remotely

Programs

Fall Protection Training has been moved to our online Learning Management System and is now available free of charge.
Work Zone Traffic Accommodation training is now available online.
Motorcycle: Basic Rider Training will soon resume in a new blended learning format combining online with on-course practical training. Safety procedures put in place to comply with COVID-19 restrictions include: the new blended learning approach, allowing the classroom portions of the class to be completed online prior to the course date; a new location to accommodate the practical on-course riding portion; requirements to sanitize hands before entry and requirements for wearing face masks. Participants will also be encouraged to stay on one bike instead of trying out different styles of bike throughout the program. Our fleet of bikes will be rotated through a quarantine cycle between courses and staff will sanitize the bikes prior to a participant receiving it.
Hearing Protection training will soon be available online free of charge.
Respiratory Protection training is in the late development stages of transition to online and will also be made available for free.
Confined Space training is in the early development stages of transition to online and will also be made available for free.
Other training dates will be announced when we are ready to provide in-person training services and allow access to our office without compromising public safety.

Our staff is still available via telephone in Regina at (306) 757-3197; Saskatoon (306) 343-2023; or Toll Free: (855) 280-7115 Email: ssc@sasksafety.org

Council Launches Free Online Fall Protection Program

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Regina, SK - This week, the Council launched a brand new Learning Management System along with the first of many FREE online workplace safety training programs. The free Fall Protection certificate program provides thorough training for workers, wherever they are, whenever they need it, on any computer, tablet or mobile device they wish to use.

The training format combines classroom-style presentations, excellent close-up videos and photography, and knowledge assessments to ensure participants are both understanding the materials and having the best possible learning experience. Participants are also given an opportunity to send questions in to an instructor to provide further information.

• Training is self-paced
• All staff receive the same key information
• No need for travel
• Train anywhere there is an internet connection… even on mobile devices

All that is required is a Council Profile (User Name which is the email address this message was delivered to, and a password).

This program has been made free of charge thanks to contributions from our Donors, Members and Sponsors that believe in our shared goal of creating a province of safety excellence.

Coronavirus – COVID-19: Update April 13, 2020

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

While there is a significant amount of information available to both businesses and individuals, the Saskatchewan Safety Council recommends utilizing only trusted resources to avoid confusion.

For members of the public we suggest you act upon the recommendations found on this Government of Saskatchewan public health webpage.

For concerned businesses we recommend the following trusted resources:

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

WorkSafe Saskatchewan

WorkSafe BC

Previously, we have made available resources such as:

Hand Washing Video
Fraud Video

Current Saskatchewan Safety Council response:

Due to Government of Saskatchewan's declaration of a provincial State of Emergency, related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Saskatchewan Safety Council in-person programs are being postponed until further notice, and our office is closed to public access.

Those effected by the rescheduling of events will be notified directly of changes as soon as possible. Council staff continue to monitor directives from the Federal and Provincial Health Authorities for updates.

Our staff is still available via telephone in Regina at (306) 757-3197; Saskatoon (306) 343-2023; or Toll Free: (855) 280-7115 Email: ssc@sasksafety.org

Potential: The Council acknowledges the potential challenges and stresses brought about by situations such as these and will continue doing its best to be responsive, flexible, and cooperative in its effort to deliver quality training services and resources to the people in the province of Saskatchewan.

Coronavirus – COVID-19 Update April 6, 2020

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The Council suggests that the public act upon the recommendations found on this Government of Saskatchewan public health webpage.

Current:
Due to Government of Saskatchewan's declaration of a provincial State of Emergency, related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Saskatchewan Safety Council in-person programs are being postponed until further notice, and our office is closed to public access.

Those effected by the rescheduling of events will be notified directly of changes as soon as possible.

Council staff continue to monitor directives from the Federal and Provincial Health Authorities for updates.

Our staff is still available via telephone in Regina at (306) 757-3197; Saskatoon (306) 343-2023; or Toll Free: (855) 280-7115
Email: ssc@sasksafety.org

The Council is continuing to circulate videos and training on Hand Washing, illness prevention, and fraud prevention as well as messaging related to the anxieties caused by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Potential:
The Council acknowledges the potential challenges and stresses brought about by situations such as these and will continue doing its best to be responsive, flexible, and cooperative in its effort to deliver quality training services and resources to the people in the province of Saskatchewan.

Coronavirus – COVID-19 Update March 18, 2020

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The Council suggests that the public act upon the recommendations found on this Government of Saskatchewan public health webpage.

Those effected by the rescheduling of events will be notified directly of changes as soon as possible.
For anyone attending events or public gatherings of fewer than the allowed 50 people, the Council recommends that personal hygiene and social distancing be considered.

Council staff continue to monitor directives from the Federal and Provincial Health Authorities for updates.

Our staff is still available via telephone in Regina at (306) 757-3197; Saskatoon (306) 343-2023; or Toll Free: (855) 280-7115
Email: ssc@sasksafety.org

The Council is continuing to circulate videos and training on Hand Washing, illness prevention, and fraud prevention as well as messaging related to the anxieties caused by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Potential:
The Council acknowledges the potential challenges and stresses brought about by situations such as these and will continue doing its best to be responsive, flexible, and cooperative in its effort to deliver quality training services and resources to the people in the province of Saskatchewan.

Coronavirus – COVID-19 Update

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Currently, our understanding is that the threat level in Saskatchewan is considered low, but there is potential for rapid escalation. Taking the advice of experts, the Saskatchewan Safety Council will not overreact to the current situation; but will be as diligent as possible in monitoring for updates, exercising precautions, and acting upon the recommendations found on this Government of Saskatchewan public health webpage.

Current:
In support of the social distancing directive of the Minister of Health, issued in relation to COVID19, all Saskatchewan Safety Council programs are being postponed until further notice.

Effective March 19, 2020, all Saskatchewan Safety Council training programs have been postponed. Those effected will be notified directly of changes and, as soon as possible, made aware of rescheduled events.
For those attending a session prior to the March 19th, the Council recommends that personal hygiene and social distancing be considered.
All participants who may be uncomfortable with attending an event during this time, feel they are at personal risk, or for any other reason, have the option to reschedule their training session.
At the point of entry to a training facility, we are advising any prospective attendee who may have recently traveled to an affected area, or, who are in any way feeling or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, to call and reschedule their session rather than attending or entering the training location.

Council staff continue to monitor directives from the Federal and Provincial Health Authorities for updates.

The Council is continuing to circulate videos and training on Hand Washing and illness prevention as well as messaging related to the anxieties caused by events such as this outbreak.

Potential:
The Council acknowledges the potential challenges and stresses brought about by situations such as these and will continue doing its best to be responsive, flexible, and cooperative in its effort to deliver quality training services and resources to the people in the province of Saskatchewan.

Coronavirus – COVID-19

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Regina, SK - The safety of our clients, members, partners, and the public are a top priority to the Saskatchewan Safety Council. As part of the Council’s Pandemic Emergency Response, the following outlines our current and planned response to the Coronavirus outbreak.

Currently, our understanding is that the threat level in Saskatchewan is considered low, but there is potential for rapid escalation. Taking the advice of experts, the Saskatchewan Safety Council will not overreact to the current situation; but will be as diligent as possible in monitoring for updates, exercising precautions, and acting upon the recommendations found on this Government of Saskatchewan public health webpage.

In the case of current and active Council programs for which the public may register, such as our Defensive Driving, Fall Protection, and Work Zone sessions, we are taking the following actions:

Current:
All participants who may be uncomfortable with attending an event during this time, feel they are at personal risk, or for any other reason, have the option to reschedule their training session.
At the point of entry to a training facility, we are advising any prospective attendee who may have recently traveled to an affected area, or, who are in any way feeling or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, to call and reschedule their session rather than attending or entering the training location.
For those attending a session, the Council recommends that personal hygiene and social distancing be considered.
Council staff continue to monitor directives from the Federal and Provincial Health Authorities for updates.
The Council is circulating videos and training on Hand Washing and illness prevention.

Potential:
If a Saskatchewan community is placed on alert for possible spread of the virus, the Council will immediately reschedule all events and courses in the affected community for 30 to 60 days later. This can happen right up to and including the day of the course. We will advise all those registered as promptly as possible.

The Council acknowledges the potential challenges and stresses brought about by situations such as these and will continue doing its best to be responsive, flexible, and cooperative in its effort to deliver quality training services and resources to the people in the province of Saskatchewan.

Building Safer Trades

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The Saskatchewan Safety Council and Saskatchewan Building Trades are working together on a joint project. The Building Safer Trades initiative provides free practical safety training and information on union trades for Indigenous youth in Saskatchewan. The project is funded, in part, by the Government of Canada’s Union Training and Innovation Program.

Over 3 years, the project aims to engage and provide training to 432 Indigenous youth between the ages of 14 to 21. This year (2019), the free training is being offered in the Regina Area; in 2020 it will be offered in the Saskatoon area, and in 2021, the Prince Albert area. The project also intends to reach 150 Indigenous teachers, career counselors, and education directors from Tribal Councils.

Lyle Daniels, Inclusion Manager - Build Together at Saskatchewan Building Trades, and Amanda LePine, Community Relations Coordinator with the Saskatchewan Safety Council, will be hosting an Educator’s Workshop on August 28, 2019 in Fort Qu’Appelle to introduce the project.

Participating students will first complete the Career Safety Education program followed by Red Cross Online Blended Learning First Aid/CPR-B (Adult, Infant and Child Rescue).

Below is a list of all the student learning modules included in the Building Safer Trades project.

Young Worker’s Readiness Course – This course teaches about workplace health and safety. Learn about the responsibilities, workplace rights and those of the employer.
Mental Health Wellness Training – This course teaches how to recognize stress, improve and maintain mental wellness, and how to manage stress effectively.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015) – This course teaches how to identify, handle, and store chemicals properly and safely.
Safety Construction Orientation Training (SCOT) – This course provides a safety overview of worksites in trades and/or building construction. *This course must be selected as the industry orientation to be a part of the Building Safer Trades project*
8 Hours of online First Aid training
First Aid & CPR-B instructor-lead hands-on training component in their community thereby eliminating the barrier of location.

A certificate of completion of the Building Safer Trades program will be provided upon completion of all modules.

Many thanks to the contributing partner organizations who make Career Safety Education possible. Learn more about them and the program at:

www.careersafetyeducation.ca

Cade Sprackman Safety Day in Hudson Bay

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Hudson Bay, SK - Today, the Saskatchewan Safety Council is hosting the second annual ‘Cade Sprackman Safety Day’ at Hudson Bay Community School.

Students participating in this one-day event have previously completed online safety education through the Career Safety Education program and will further expand their knowledge by learning about Fall Protection and Fire Safety from the Saskatchewan Safety Council, Lockout and Control of Hazardous Energy with Weyerhaeuser, and Eye Protection, Ladder Safety, Hazard Recognition and Head Protection from Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA).

As an additional sponsorship, Weyerhaeuser will also provide a BBQ lunch for the entire Hudson Bay Community School.

On January 27th, 2015, Cade Sprackman was killed at his workplace. Michelle, Cade’s mom, said, “I remember him and I talking about what sort of work he would be doing. I asked him about safety and he assured me it was safe. I will never forget the night the RCMP came to the door with news that Cade had died. All they could tell me was that it was an industrial accident that had happened at work. They knew no details.”

Michelle has advocated for youth safety in the workplace and supports Career Safety Education for youth. “Career safety education is so vitally important. Cade naively saw his workplace as safe as he had nothing to compare it to. His employer told him it was safe and so he believed it. We all think that someone has our back; that systems are in place to keep us safe. Systems are only as good as the people behind them and people are fallible. Just like we have to be defensive drivers today, we have to be defensive on the worksite as well.”
Cade, who was raised and educated in Hudson Bay, was creative and imaginative and loved the arts as well as gaming and cinema. He aspired one day to work in the arts as a cinema director.

A video on Cade's story can be viewed on YouTube.

Career Safety Education encourages the development of awareness, attitudes and habits which result in a culture of safety affecting both workplace and home life. Career Safety Education is the first program of its kind in North America, providing universal access to safety training to all youth in Saskatchewan. Thanks to generous partners, the training is completely FREE for youth between 14 and 21 years of age.

Career Safety Education is comprised of Young Worker’s Readiness Certificate Course (YWRCC), Mental Health - Wellness Strategies, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), and an elective from the following: Agriculture: Online Agriculture Training System (OATS), Heavy Construction Roadbuilders: Roadbuilders Safety Training System (RSTS), Trades and Building Construction: Safety Construction Orientation Training (SCOT), and Healthcare: Workplace Assessment and Violence Education (WAVE).

Amanda LePine, Community Relations Coordinator, at the Saskatchewan Safety Council is grateful that the Sprackman Family is sharing their story. She comments that “Cade Sprackman had a vision and dreams to do what he loved. Parents, youth and employers need to hear his story and work to promote safety for youth while at work. We are honoured to be a part of the Cade Sprackman Safety Day and thankful for the support of partners and sponsors. Hopefully hearing Cade’s story will help to prevent youth injuries and fatalities in the workplace.”

The Cade Sprackman Safety Day is an annual event. To be involved, contact Amanda LePine at 306-757-3197.

Cade Sprackman Safety Day Schedule

9:00 AM: Weyerhaeuser - Presentation to Hudson Bay Community School
9:25 AM: Opening Remarks - Saskatchewan Safety Counci
9:45 AM: Fall Protection - with demonstration - Saskatchewan Safety Council
10:20 AM: Lockout and Control of Hazardous Energy - Weyerhaeuser
11:10 AM: Break
11:15 AM: Eye Protection / Ladder Safety / Hazard Recognition – SCS
12:16 PM: Lunch Break – BBQ Sponsored by Weyerhaeuse
1:10 PM: Fire Safety with short Intro to Fire Extinguishers - Saskatchewan Safety Counci
2:10 PM: Break
2:20 PM: Head Protection Presentation - SCSA
3:05 PM: Thank You and Closing Remarks

New President Elected, Kevin Mooney

Mon, 06 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Ryan Jacobson, CEO of the Saskatchewan Safety Council, is pleased to announce the election of Kevin Mooney, MBA, Canadian Registered Safety Professional, and Director of Prevention with Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board, as President of the Board of Directors.

Kevin has sat on the Council Board of Directors for 5 years, having previously served as Vice President. He brings over 15 years of experience in delivering high impact health and safety solutions in the workplace and was recognized as the Saskatchewan Safety Professional of the Year in 2011. Kevin recently received the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Public Service and is a graduate of the Executive MBA program at the University of Fredericton.

The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance of the organization. The Board's role is to guide the strategic direction of the organization in fulfilling its mission of creating a safe Saskatchewan in which to live, work and play. Directors are elected by the Membership to represent their collective interests.

2018 Safety Professional of the Year - Tricia Gibney

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

During the 46th Industrial Safety Seminar, Tricia Gibney, CRSP, was named and honored as the 2018 Saskatchewan Safety Professional of the Year. Tricia, HSE Supervisor at PCL Construction, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of safety and finds many ways to give back to the profession.

Safety Professional of the Year for 2018, Tricia Gibney CRSP

Tricia graduated with a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from the University of Alberta, a diploma in Civil Engineering, and has achieved the Gold Seal standard as a Construction Safety Coordinator during her 14 years of work related to safety.

An active volunteer, Tricia serves as Chairperson of the Saskatoon Regional Screening Centre for the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals, is a member of the CSSE Northern Lights Executive and an active member of the Saskatchewan Safety Council Industrial Safety Seminar Steering Committee. Tricia works with the Saskatchewan Polytechnic OHS Program Advisory Group and volunteers with for the Saskatchewan Public Works Association annual conference and the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association.

“I was rendered as speechless as I could possibly be with this”, Tricia commented about receiving notification of the award.

Although Tricia has spent hours helping to mentor others by facilitating study groups, taking on practicum students and speaking at conferences, she placed great emphasis on her mentors during her acceptance speech. She said one mentor taught her to listen while another instilled in her the importance of speaking up. She closed with this advice for those new to the safety profession, “You cannot do this alone. You can try but it will not work. You must build your team and they will take you.”

In the community, industry and worksite, Tricia exemplifies the Professional in Safety Professional.

Presented annually and first awarded in 1985, the Ed Amaolo Memorial Award, was named in honor of its first recipient. It is a joint award of the Northern Light and South Saskatchewan Chapters of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering and the Saskatchewan Safety Council.

The Safety Professional of the Year Award is designed to give recognition to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in the field of Health and Safety in Saskatchewan.

By recognizing those who have made significant contributions, it is hoped that it will help promote the art and science of safety and inspire others to do the same.

Nominations are submitted by the 2 CSSE Chapters as well as individuals, companies and other organizations. Nominations are open to any safety professional.

These nominations are then sent to a selection committee. The nominees are evaluated using an objective scoring system to determine a winner. The selection committee is made up of CSSE members and Safety Council representatives.

The award has been presented to people who have made an outstanding contribution to the safety field in a single year and has also been presented to those people who have made outstanding contributions throughout their career.

To nominate someone for Safety Professional of the Year, visit http://www.sasksafety.org/about-us/awards/safety-professional-of-the-year

2018 Safety Professional of the Year, Tricia Gibney, and Ryan Jacobson, CEO of the Saskatchewan Safety Council

Substantial Growth in Program for Youth

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Career Safety Education is growing significantly in popularity. Since March 1^st, 2018, 1,013 youth have registered in the program. Over half of them registered (589) in the first two months of this school year.

Youth from 140 different communities across the province have registered. Every yellow pin in the image below represents a community where a participant has registered in the program.

36 different schools are participating, each of which are led by safety champion teachers. Shout out to the fantastic educators who are making safety a priority for our youth!

Although most participants have registered through their high school class or school system, 240 have done so on their own out of a desire to increase their employability.

Career Safety Education is available to all Saskatchewan youth aged 14 to 21 years. And it is trending. #safety #resumeskills #teenboss

In case you didn’t hear, Career Safety Education is a safety training program developed specifically for Saskatchewan youth... and it's free, thanks to a strategic alliance between several industry partners. There are four courses, three of which form the program core, and one elective. The core courses cover employer rights and responsibilities, mental wellness, and hazardous chemical handling. The list of electives, chosen based on the participant’s career interests, currently includes: Agriculture, Building Construction, Energy, Healthcare, or Road Construction.

Saskatchewan Safety Council joins the RRLIP Partnership Council!

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The Saskatchewan Safety Council just received news that their application to join the RRLIP Partnership Council was approved. RRLIP, or the Regina Region Local Immigration Partnership, was established through a partnership between the Regina Regional Intersectoral Committee and Regina Open Door Society in 2014. The goal of the Local Immigration partnership is to support newcomers to become fully engaged in the social, economic, and cultural life in their new community.

Part of the Saskatchewan Safety Council's strategic plan is to provide access to high quality free training and safety information for high risk demographics, including newcomers to Saskatchewan. Being a member of RRLIP allows us to identify safety topics of interest to newcomers and provide key resources to ensure all of our residents are living safely.

The vision of RRLIP is that Regina welcomes newcomers, values, and celebrates diversity and supports the integration of all residents. RRLIP is guided by a multi-sector Partnership Council and Immigrant Advisory Table.

The Saskatchewan Safety Council joins a long list of partners on the Partnership Council:

Regina Human Service Partnership
Regina Open Door Society (Settlement Sector Rep)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Regina Fire and Protective Services
Réseaux en immigration francophone (RIF-SK)
UR International - University of Regina
City of Regina – Community/Cultural Development
Regina Public Schools (Language Sector Rep)
Government of Saskatchewan (Labour Market Services, Ministry of Immigration and Career Training)
Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Regina Public Library
Assemblee Communautaire Fransaskoise – (Settlement Sector Rep)
Regina Police Service
RRLIP Immigrant Advisory Table (Representative)

Thanks to the Partnership Council of RRLIP The Saskatchewan Safety Council looks forward to working together to ensure our newest residents are living safely.

Saskatchewan Millennial Receives National Recognition as Safety Professional of the Year

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Niagara Falls, Ontario – Barely into his mid 30’s, Ryan Jacobson has established himself as leader in injury prevention, and not just within the confines of his workplace, city or province, but nationally.

Presented as the Canadian Safety Professional of the Year at a national safety conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario on September 17, 2018, all Jacobson could manage to say was how he “was absolutely blown away” that his colleagues could nominate him.

“It was incredible that they thought me worthy of a nomination. When I found out I had won the national award… I was stunned.” Jacobson said after the presentation.

When it comes to safety and injury prevention, Jacobson has distinguished himself as a leader in Saskatchewan and across Canada. Currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatchewan Safety Council, the provinces oldest safety organization; Ryan is serving his second term as Chairman of the Canadian Association of Provincial Safety Councils and is the Vice President of Safe Saskatchewan, not bad for a millennial.

Jacobson has volunteered extensively with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, sat on the Saskatchewan Polytechnic OHSP Program Advisory Committee and is active on a number of other committees including the provincial North American Occupational Safety and Health week planning committee, the Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame Committee, the Saskatchewan Safety Professional of the Year selection committee, the Saskatchewan Safe Employer awards committee, the Saskatchewan Safe Worker awards committee, the Mission Zero awards committee, along with a number of others.

Ryan’s conference presentations, on topics ranging from behaviour-based defensive driving to safety through managed efficiencies, have been enthusiastically received across Canada.

When asked what motivates him to be so personally invested in safety, Jacobson responded, “On one of my office walls, I have a collage of pictures of my daughter positioned so that they are the first thing I see when I walk in; they remind me of the important work we are doing. Everybody injured or killed is somebody’s child. Above my door, I have pictures of previous safety leaders; they are the last thing I see every day before going home. I look at them on the way out and ask myself if I have done enough to carry on the work they started.”

“People have accused me at times of trying to change the world,” says Jacobson, “and I’m good with that... the world is changing every day whether we like it or not. I truly believe it is each of our responsibility to try and change the world in a direction we believe in; rather than allowing somebody else to choose how the world changes for us.”

While apt to give credit to the teams of people he has worked with, Jacobson has been instrumental in many safety initiatives. Two of those stand out the most to him; Career Safety Education, which earlier in 2018 saw a strategic alliance of safety organizations agreeing to give free industry focused safety training to all Saskatchewan youth between the ages of 14-21. The second was the Online Agriculture Training System (OATS), launched in 2016, an online best practice safety orientation for agriculture workers offered in English or French, completely free.

Ryan attributes his success to the people he has worked with and the support of his family, “I feel incredibly lucky to have consistently worked with brilliant and capable people, both at work and as a volunteer. There have been amazing mentors in my career who funnelled their knowledge and experience into me and entrusted me to carry the torch onward. All along that journey, my family has been my strength.

A province of safety excellence, that’s how Jacobson wants people to see Saskatchewan. "The only way we can build such a reputation is by working together to develop new and innovative ways to promote an understanding of risk and the outcomes of safety in our culture. Risks are not going away, so we’re going to continue to get better at managing them, not just in the workplace, but at home and on the roads.”

About the Award:
The award for Safety Professional of the Year is given to those whose careers have been distinguished by a sustained commitment to excellence in the field of occupational health and safety.

This is a progressive award that starts with winners in every chapter chosen by the Regional Vice Presidents from the nominations submitted. From the chapter winners the Awards Committee will elevate one winner in every region for the regional awards. From the regional award winners, the Awards Committee will select one applicant as the Safety Professional of the Year.

Mental Health Training Free for all Saskatchewan Youth aged 14 to 21

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Saskatchewan -

Mental Health Training is now available free of charge for all Saskatchewan youth aged 14 to 21! As part of the Career Safety Education program, youth in Saskatchewan have access to WorkSafe Saskatchewan’s Mental Health: Health and Wellness Strategies, an online course dedicated to providing skills to cope with stress.

“Including this training component reinforces for youth the importance of understanding mental health and makes a connection for them between safety in the workplace and mental wellness,” says Saskatchewan Safety Council Community Relations Coordinator, Merissa Scarlett.

The content empowers youth to improve their own mental well-being by building resilience (mental fitness). It focusses on recognizing symptoms, identifying stressors and choosing appropriate reactions.

Career Safety Education is the result of a strategic alliance of organizations brought together by the Saskatchewan Safety Council to provide every Saskatchewan youth between 14 and 21 with free career focused safety education.

Why does Career Safety Education matter? This short video, The Cade Sprackman Story, provides some insight: https://youtu.be/aDP-Ca7-LWI

Currently, Career Safety Education includes training in worker rights and responsibilities through the Young Worker Readiness Course (WorkSafe), training in basic chemical safety through WHMIS 2015 (Saskatchewan Safety Council), mental health strategies through Mental Health: Health and Wellness Strategies and one standardized industry designed safety orientation:

Agriculture: Online Agriculture Training System – Saskatchewan Safety Council;
Heavy Construction, Earthmoving and Roadbuilding: Roadbuilders Safety Training System – Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan;
Construction and Trades: Saskatchewan Construction Orientation Training – Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association;
Healthcare: Workplace Assessment and Violence Education – Saskatchewan Association of Safe Workplaces in Health;
Energy, Oil and Gas: Electronic General Safety Orientation – Energy Safety Canada

Council Community Safety Playlist Goes Multilingual

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The Saskatchewan Safety Council's vision is "Creating a safer Saskatchewan to live, work and play" for everyone. It is in this spirit that the Council has begun adding a stream of videos to its YouTube channel which have been translated into languages commonly spoken by residents of our province.

Robert Weitzel, Director of Development with the Council, says "I'd like to see a day when every language is covered, and not just those spoken by new residents, by all residents. With over 60 years of program development under our belts, we've amased mountains of safety information relevant to people in every corner of this province. With the ability to deliver content online, distance is no longer a barrier. All we need to do is find champions of safety in every community who can deliver the information. Having that information already translated and made culturally appropriate is key, so right now we're building those relationships and delivery strategies."

One of the Council's strategic priorities is to create opportunities for high risk demographics to have access to high quality free training and safety information. Those demographics include the elderly, remote first nations communities, new residents of Saskatchewan, and youth.

The Council needs support in this initiative. Some of that support will come in the way of direct pledges, some through membership, and some through paid safety training. "What many people don't know about the Council is that when they register for safety training with us, they are supporting a charity. In other words, training with us is helping fund a growing list of programs" Weitzel said.

The next step is to establish a network of volunteers to participate in the creation of the materials and act as liaisons within their communities. "Funding partners and sponsorships are required to support the creative process and delivery of the content because it's not just a simple as making it and sticking it online," Weitzel commented.

What has been learned through the development of strong safety cultures in workplaces needs to find a way into our homes and recreational activities. The Council has the knowledge, ability and desire to lead this change. Together, we'll Create a Province of Safety Excellence.

Saskatchewan Safety Centre of Excellence

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Saskatchewan is known as the Land of the Living Skies, for our passionate football fans, and for our innovations in agriculture, potash and oil. Perhaps someday, we’ll also be known for our reputation as a province of safety excellence.

Guided by our volunteer Board of Directors and our Strategic Plan, the Saskatchewan Safety Council is working to lead the transformation of Saskatchewan into a province of safety excellence. With innovative programs, targeted resources, lots of hard work and your help, we will become known far and wide as a leader in safety.

The Saskatchewan Safety Centre of Excellence is a development project lead by the Saskatchewan Safety Council which will become the physical focal point, showcase, and inspiration of Saskatchewan’s injury prevention efforts.

For many years this project was nothing more than a concept, a dream; but that is no longer the case. This dream is very quickly becoming reality. Construction is planned to begin in 2019.

Progress to date

In 2017, the Saskatchewan Safety Council Board of Directors reached an agreement for the acquisition of a 30-acre parcel of land located on the Regina Bypass route in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, pending subdivision approval
Clifton and Associates have completed pre-construction engineering documents to support the development
Pledges of support valued at more than $1,000,000 have been made

This innovative project needs your feedback and support.

Please consider these three ways you and your organization can support the project:

Providing feedback and ideas for innovative uses of this facility that can be included in our next stages of design.
Issue a Letter of Support for the project; a letter of support from your organization is a great way to showcase the value placed on injury prevention efforts and public solidarity for the Safety Centre project.
Make a financial contribution or sponsorship commitment to expedite the development of this important resource.

The Safety Centre of Excellence is an outstanding opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact to the lives of Saskatchewan people and establish the province as a national leader of injury prevention. I appreciate your time and consideration of this briefing as well as an appointment to discuss it further with you personally.

More details about the project can be found in this Briefing Document.

Strategic Alliance Formed between Industries to Deliver Free Career Safety Education

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Today, the Saskatchewan Safety Council is proud to announce the formation of a strategic alliance of organizations brought together by the Saskatchewan Safety Council that results in everyone in Saskatchewan between the ages of 14 and 21 having access to completely free career focused safety education! This is believed to be the first time in North America that this level of safety training has been made universally available to all young workers.

Core Information:
Saskatchewan will become the first jurisdiction in North America to offer universal career focused, industry specific safety training, completely free to all youth between the ages of 14 and 21.

A strategic alliance of industries has come together with education partners to launch this initiative after a 5 year pilot involving more than 20 School Divisions and 6 First Nations.

Through its safety training programs, Career Safety Education encourages the development of awareness, attitudes and habits which result in a culture of safety effecting both workplace and home life.

Career Safety Education has several connections within Saskatchewan curriculum outcomes. List of curriculum connections.

Career Safety Education includes training in worker rights and responsibilities through the Young Worker Readiness Course (WorkSafe), training in basic chemical safety through WHMIS 2015 (Saskatchewan Safety Council), and one standardized industry designed safety orientation: Agriculture: Online Agriculture Training System – Saskatchewan Safety Council; Heavy Construction, Earthmoving and Roadbuilding: Roadbuilders Safety Training System – Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan; Construction and Trades: Saskatchewan Construction Orientation Training – Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association; Healthcare: Workplace Assessment and Violence Education – Saskatchewan Association of Safe Workplaces in Health; Energy, Oil and Gas: Electronic General Safety Orientation – Energy Safety Canada

* additional orientations are currently under development *

If completed through their school, a number of additional electives are available for either practical or online training once the core modules are complete.

Background:
The significant rate of youth injuries and fatalities in our Saskatchewan workplaces is a topic that concerns us all and one that has not been ignored. That is precisely why the Saskatchewan Safety Council and WorkSafe Saskatchewan partnered in 2013 to address this important issue under the Early Safety Training pilot program. This initiative had a goal of ensuring that all youth in Saskatchewan would have access to free, career focused safety education, before starting their first jobs to better prepare our future workforce and in so doing reduce or eliminate workplace injury for our youth.

As of 2013, Early Safety Training became a joint initiative of the Saskatchewan Safety Council and WorkSafe Saskatchewan. The first step was the establishment of a provincial steering committee, made up of all the Industry Safety Associations, Safe Saskatchewan, private industry, and Education. Through the 5 year pilot, various forms of delivery were tested, including Self-Study, Hosted Groups and Curriculum Fitted. Under the guidance of our provincial steering committee work was done to make processes easy for educators to use and ensure the program was specifically addressing injury trends within the various industries. The piloted program included more than 20 School Divisions and six First Nations and resulted in the delivery of over 63,000 hours of safety training. Now out of the pilot phase, this project is known as Career Safety Education and is free to all Saskatchewan residents between the ages of 14 and 21.

Ed Dyna - Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

During the Industrial Safety Seminar, Mr. Ed Dyna, a pillar within the province and across Canada for the safety profession and beyond, was inducted into the Volunteer category of the Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame.

Ed has actively volunteered with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering every year since 1986. In that time, he served on every position of the Executive for the Northern Lights chapter, including as Chair Person. He also served as the national Regional Vice President of CSSE, representing Saskatchewan and Manitoba for 4 years. He was co-chair of the national CSSE Professional Development conference for four years and was Chair of other committees including the National Committee on Advocacy of the Safety Professional and the #NAOSHWeek national committee.

Ed has volunteered with:

the Saskatchewan Safety Council, having served on the planning committee for the Industrial Safety Seminar for 24 consecutive years, including terms as Chairperson.
the Saskatchewan Mining Association as a member of their Safety Committee for over 10 years.
the Canadian Standards Association was a sub-committee member developing the N393 Fire Protection for facilities that process nuclear substances Standard.
the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals as Chair of the Regional Screening Centre.

Mr. Dyna has been previously recognized for excellence, being awarded:

the Canadian Forces Decoration (1988)
Saskatchewan Safety Professional of the Year (1997)
Canadian Safety Professional of the Year (2005)

Ed is currently a Senior Safety Specialist with Cameco Corporation. His gift of time and expertise into the broader safety community has distinguished him as a leader in the province of Saskatchewan where the significance of his contributions will last for generations.

Ed Dyna, Inductee to Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame, shared his appreciation for the honour via desktop video as he could not be present for the ceremony.

Learn more about the Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame

Andy Nagy - 2018 Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame Inductee

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame was launched in 2009 and is an initiative of the Saskatchewan Safety Council, the Northern Light Chapter and South Saskatchewan Chapter of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering.

The Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame was developed to honour individuals of noteworthy achievement in the field of Health and Safety that have made lasting impacts to the province of Saskatchewan. In this way the Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame records their accomplishments for future generations. The Hall was conceived as a way to give recognition to the people that have permanently shaped and impacted safety in our province. These individuals have positively changed our attitudes, processes and culture of our society while the large majority continue to go unrecognized.

Three classes of inductees have been established; Builders, Volunteers, and Professionals.

Builders are individuals that were involved in the early development of injury prevention and safety promotion in Saskatchewan. This involvement could be either as a volunteer or safety professional.

Volunteers are non-paid safety and injury prevention promoters. This could include professionals who made significant contributions outside of their work. Their nomination would be based on their volunteer work.

Professionals are those working in the field of safety and injury prevention who have accomplished significant change in their industry or the province because of their efforts.

Each nominee is judged on the following:

Achievements that have had a significant impact on their community and or the province

Continual or long-term contributions to Injury Prevention

Leadership activities

For 2018, Mr. Andy Nagy was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Professional category.

Nagy has made a significant contribution to safety and injury prevention in the Province of Saskatchewan. In 1997, he was appointed the first Executive Director of the newly created C6 Safety Association; now known as the Motor Safety Association. The Association consisted of 3000 employers which included Car Dealers, Heavy Truck Dealers, Implement Dealers, Auto Body Repair Shops, and Tire Dealers to name a few. Nagy facilitated programs with the high-risk employers in developing a safety culture in their company. Earlier in his career, he played an active role in the development and delivery of safety programs in the trucking industry.

This included working with SGI in developing road tests for Class 1 Driver Testing. Nagy was actively involved with the SIAST Truck Driver Training Program and an advisor to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, serving on their boards for several years. He also served on the Canadian Trucking Human Resource Council, the Saskatchewan Clean Air Task Force Committee, and was a CSSE committee member.

As a member of the Safety Committee with the Canadian Trucking Association, he worked with members to establish the safety standards under the National Safety Code for the trucking industry.

Andy has held positions as the Safety Director with the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) where he held various roles in administration and safety. During his time with the STA, he developed many new programs and initiated improvements to existing ones. Previously to STA, he was an instructor at STI (SIAST) with the Truck Driver Training Program where proper procedures were taught and emphasized.

He received his Canadian Registered Safety Professional designation in 1999 and served as an Exam Proctor for BCRSP for many years. In 1996, he received the Saskatchewan Safety Professional of the Year Award from the Saskatchewan Safety Council.

Upon leaving Saskatchewan in 2009, Andy held the position of Executive Director with the Western Canada Tire Dealers Association until he fully retired in 2016. During this time, he facilitated all the Tire Technician Training for Western Canada. In addition, he served as committee member with the Tire Industry Association, Association of Executives. He also served on the TIA Recycling Committee for the tire industry across North America.

2018 Inductee to the Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame, Andy Nagy, gives his acceptance speech at the 2018 Saskatchewan Safety Council Industrial Safety Seminar.

For his entire career Andy Nagy has not only been involved with injury prevention, he has been a true leader and has made a significant and lasting impact in Saskatchewan and across Western Canada.

Anyone can make nominations or be nominated for this year’s Hall of Fame prior to November 1.

Jason Davidson - 2017 Safety Professional of the Year

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The Ed Amaolo Memorial Award, which was named in honor of it’s first recipient, is a joint award of the Northern Light and South Saskatchewan Chapters of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering and the Saskatchewan Safety Council.

The Safety Professional of the Year Award provides recognition to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in the field of Health and Safety in Saskatchewan and has been presented annually since 1985. By recognizing those who have made significant contributions, the award promotes the art and science of safety and inspires others to do the same.

The 2017 Safety Professional of the Year has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the safety field from hands-on experience to creating and implementing safety management programs. He is well respected among his peers not only in Saskatchewan, but throughout Canada as well. Jason Davidson of PCL Construction Management Inc. is a current member of the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association Executive Committee and a past Executive Committee member of the Northern Lights Chapter of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering.

Jason is a strong leader and constantly seeks ways to connect with people, listen, and find ways to augment the culture of safety at PCL and throughout the construction industry. From providing subject matter expertise as an employer representative to organizing trade HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) leadership sessions, Jason's contributions have resulted in a carrying forward of momentum to which a safer construction industry in Saskatchewan can be attributed.

Jason Davidson, PCL Construction Management Inc., makes a few remarks after having been named Safety Professional of the Year at the Industrial Safety Seminar.

Nominations for the Safety Professional of the Year are submitted by the two CSSE Chapters as well as individuals, companies and other organizations. Nominations are open to anyone.

These nominations are sent to a selection committee. The nominees are evaluated using an objective scoring system to determine a winner. The selection committee is made up of CSSE members and Safety Council representatives.

Ryan Jacobson, CEO of the Saskatchewan Safety Council (left), presents Jason Davidson with the award for the 2017 Safety Professional of the Year.

Interview with a Winner!

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

On December 20, 2017, the Saskatchewan Safety Council awarded Sonya Horner of Saskatoon, SK with a $10,000 CAA travel voucher for her entry in the Council’s #SafeChoice Social Media Contest. Below is a transcript of her interview with Robert Weitzel, Director of Business Development with the Council.

Sonya Horner (contest winner) with step daughter, Asia. Both of whom participated in the Saskatchewan Safety Council’s #SafeChoice contest.

Robert: How did you hear about the #SafeChoice social media contest?
Sonya: I saw the #SafeChoice social media contest on Facebook, on the Saskatchewan Safety Council page.

R: Why did you enter the #SafeChoice social media contest?
S: I entered the contest because safety is important to me, and to my family. We did think about safety on a regular basis, but this contest gave us a chance to look at more ways to incorporate safety into our lives. It was a fun way to learn more about, and think more about, safe choices.

R: Your winning entry was a video about fire safety and candles. What prompted you to think about this particular safe choice?
S: I live in an apartment building, and when not careful with candles or stoves, you can cause harm not only to yourself, but to others as well. It’s very important to think about fire safety in that type of living environment. As well, we try to go over fire drills, knowing escape routes, stop, drop, and roll techniques with the kids, so thinking about fire safety is part of our lives.

The winning entry in the #SafeChoice social media contest.
R: We noticed the whole family was involved. Tell us about that.
S: That was one of the best parts of the contest, getting the children involved. It really sparked their interest and their thinking about safe choices. They became very excited every week to submit a new safety tip, and it created a dialogue and more learning about safety procedures. Its good to have young kids involved making safe choices at an early age, so it will carry through with them their whole lives. It also got us thinking "outside the box" a bit as well, as there are SO many ways you can incorporate safety in every aspect of your life.

R: What thought have you given to how you will use a $10,000 CAA travel voucher?
S: It was such a wonderful surprise, I’m still in a bit of shock! I love to travel, and would love to see more of Canada, so that’s a possibility. With such an amazing prize, there are many possibilities, so will have to give it more thought! Thank you so much Saskatchewan Safety Council, and CAA for the opportunity to learn more about safety, the contest, and the fantastic prize!!