Welcome/Overview of NES Agenda and Objectives & Land Acknowledgement

Introductions – Attendee Ice Breaker

Emerging Risks – AI Language Models, Bias, and Accountability. A Panel Discussion

ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI. It is trained on a massive dataset of text from the internet and is able to generate human-like text, making it useful for a variety of natural language processing tasks. However, the advancement of AI models like ChatGPT has raised concerns about the potential threat to academia, as it may automate tasks traditionally done by researchers and make it easier for misinformation to spread. Additionally, there are ethical concerns around the use of models like ChatGPT, particularly in the areas of bias and accountability. While the technology has the potential to be a valuable tool, it is important to consider the potential consequences and work to mitigate any negative effects. (ChatGPT wrote this session description) 

Moderated by Dr. Marilyn Hubner, Manager, OHS Body of Knowledge, panelists from the University of Fredericton, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the University of Calgary will discuss this emerging technology and the potential impact on OHS education program outcomes. 

Moderator: Marilyn Hubner, PhD, Manager, OHS Body of Knowledge, Australia

Dr Marilyn Hubner is a highly experienced safety professional and educator with over 30 years of experience in the field. She specialises in providing relevant, engaging, and practical learning interventions that enable empowerment and the development of capability. Marilyn’s passion for OHS began about 20yrs ago when she fell into a Health and Safety Representative role, and from there she went on to complete a Cert IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in WHS, to a Masters in Adult Education and completion of my PhD in the Effectiveness of Safety Training in the Construction Industry. This year she is looking to start an MBA. In Marilyn’s new role as Manager of the OHS Body of Knowledge (OHS BoK), at the Australian Institute of Health and Safety also known as the AIHS, she is motivated to continue the focus on the development and maintenance of chapters. She aims to position the OHS BoK as the leading global academic and professionally relevant publication for the safety industry. Throughout her 30-year career, she has worked as an educator across a range of different fields, at both the University level and Vocational Level. She is also a faculty member at the University of Fredericton in New Brunswick, Canada – where she delivers certificate and Diploma levels courses in safety leadership, communications, training, and auditing. In addition to her work in the industry, she is an active member of the American Society of Safety Professionals, where she is currently nominated for the VP of Standards and Practice committee. She is also an active member of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers where she has participated on committees and recently developed their Exam Preparation Study Guides. She is a professional member of both the Australian Institute of Training and Development and the American Talent and Development.

Panelists: Ewa Wasniewski,  U of Calgary, Sheri McKillop, PhD, University of Fredericton, Thomas Tenkate, DrPH, FEHA, FRSPH, CRM, CRSP, CSP, Toronto Metropolitan University

Dr. Ewa Wasniewski has been working in the field of continuing education since 2015, starting with a position in educational and international development and progressing into senior leadership. Now, as the Director of Domestic programs at UCalgary Continuing Education, she oversees portfolios that include technology, business, professional development, personal interest, Indigenous, and OH&S. Dr. Wasniewski’s area of specialization is educational psychology focusing on educational technologies and their impact on teaching and learning. She has extensive experience teaching various undergrad and graduate courses, as well as leading professional development workshops on teaching and learning, leadership, mentorship, and instructional design.  

Thomas Tenkate is an Associate Professor and was Director (2011 to 2020), School of Occupational and Public Health at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). He has worked in environmental health and occupational health and safety for over 30 years. His research interests involve risk assessment and risk management in occupational settings.

Sheri McKillop is the VP Academics at University of Fredericton. Sheri has an undergraduate degree from MSVU, an EMBA from University of Fredericton and a Doctorate of Business from Northcentral University. Throughout her career, Sheri has held various leadership positions in both academic and corporate setting.  Sheri has also been a successful entrepreneur, founding and leading two companies prior to moving to the corporate world. When Sheri went to work at UFred she was introduced to the world of Health and Safety and the role that education for OHS professionals could play in the quality of the lives of workers in Canada and beyond.  She has played an active role in developing the new certificate Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Processes and the Associate Degree in Occupational Health and Safety.  This work included seeking out experts to work on developing courses as well as mapping the programs to multiple OHS frameworks to ensure students receive the highest quality of OHS education. 

Networking Break

Minerva Canada Update

Minerva Canada has attended all past NES meetings and continues to be a strong partner with the BCRSP.  Minerva will provide an update of its activities and online Health and Safety modules.

Speaker: Larry Masotti, MA, B.Ed., CRSP Vice President, Minerva Canada Safety Management Education Inc

Larry Masotti is retired from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to meet the health and safety needs of 171,000 businesses in the agricultural, manufacturing and service industries, representing 4.2 million employees across Ontario. Larry has previously held roles at WSPS as the Director, Strategic Relationships and Director, Marketing and Business Development in Toronto, Ontario. He continues to serve as a Strategic Relationships Advisor with WSPS. With over 25 years of health and safety experience, Larry also currently serves as the Vice President for Minerva Canada Safety Management Education, as an International Review Panelist for the National Safety Council’s R.W. Campbell Award, as Vice Chair for the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Strategic Steering Committee for Occupational Health and Safety and as Chair of the Canadian Associations for Safe Hospitality. He is also a member of the Board of Governors for the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals and a Director for the Safety in Schools Foundation. A Canadian Registered Safety Professional who holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, Bachelor’s degrees in both Adult Education and the Arts, he has developed expertise in diplomatically operating in political environments to build alliances, partnerships and strategic relationships. Larry is dedicating this chapter of his professional life to building cultures of safety everywhere by inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.

BCRSP Qualifications Review Committee – Perspectives on Professional Practice. An information session for educators

This session will explore the review process and standards of professional practice that are recognized by the BCRSP Qualifications Review Committee (QRC). Following the Guideline for QRC CRSP Application Evaluations, It will differentiate between an OHS Professional and OHS Technician as defined in the INSHPO OHS Professional Capability Framework, explain the types of evidence considered by the QRC, provide insight into the Evaluation Rating Matrix used by reviewers and summarize the potential outcomes of the review.

Speaker: Evan Edbom, CRSP, CPHR is the Vice President of People, Safety and Culture for the Sutherland Group of Companies, based in Kelowna, British Columbia. He has a background of 18 years, leading occupational safety and human resources programs across Canada within industries such as construction, transportation, forestry, engineering and environmental services. He has engaged in a variety of committees, advisory groups and industry initiatives and serves as a mentor in multiple formal programs. In 2020, Evan was named one of the Top 10 OHS Professionals Under 40, by OHS Canada Magazine. He is currently the Chair of the BCRSP Qualifications Review Committee (QRC).

Lunch & Networking

Diversity Equity & Inclusion – Managing OHS Programs for a Global Student Body

In this session, we will explore the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in managing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) programs for a global student body. We will discuss strategies for creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. Topics will include cultural competency, understanding and addressing privilege, and the impact of bias on OHS program decision-making. Additionally, we will examine how to create OHS programs that are responsive to the unique needs of students from diverse backgrounds, such as language barriers and different cultural norms related to health and safety. The session will also provide practical examples of how to implement these strategies in practice and measure success in creating a more equitable and inclusive OHS program.

Speaker: John MacMillan, Cape Breton University 

John has over 20 years of experience working in the fields of public administration, public safety, risk management and workplace and environmental health and safety. John is an Instructor in the School of Education and Health and currently the Risk Management and Occupational Health and Safety Advisor at Cape Breton University. John is a member of the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals and a member of the Global Risk Management Institute and holds the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designations. Prior to joining CBU, John held various positions within the public sector, including front line regulatory and inspector roles as well as executive level roles focused on regional and provincial public and workplace safety programs. John has an MSc. in Occupational Hygiene from the University of Greenwich, UK, a Bachelor in Business Administration from Saint Francis Xavier University, and a Certificate in Risk Management from the University of Toronto.

Networking Break

CRST Examination Blueprint Update – Your Opportunity for Input

The CRST Examination Blueprint is undergoing a revision process. This session will provide an overview of the review process, insight into potential changes in the Blueprint, and an opportunity for educators to provide feedback on the CRST Examination Blueprint.

Speaker: Aurelie Lecocq, Manager, Psychometric Services, Meazure Learning
Aurélie Lecocq is manager of psychometric services at Measure Learning. She has a strong background in statistical analysis, and a passion for testing and measurements. She is currently leading a team a senior psychometricians and oversees psychometric quality across a variety of large-scale national licensure and certification programs, mainly in the healthcare sector in North America. She is mainly involved in the development of test specifications, management of item banks, data forensic and statistical analysis, and standard setting activities. Aurelie is fluently bilingual and works in both English and French.Dr. Lecocq earned her Doctorate in Education at the University of Burgundy (France) and is currently enrolled in an MBA program (Carleton University).

Global Update

-    AIHS Body of Knowledge
-    INSHPO OHS Capability Framework

Marilyn Hubner, PhD, Manager OHS Body of Knowledge, Australia will provide an update on the Body of Knowledge including recent additions and upcoming chapters.

Dr Marilyn Hubner is a highly experienced safety professional and educator with over 30 years of experience in the field. She specialises in providing relevant, engaging, and practical learning interventions that enable empowerment and the development of capability. Marilyn’s passion for OHS began about 20yrs ago when she fell into a Health and Safety Representative role, and from there she went on to complete a Cert IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in WHS, to a Masters in Adult Education and completion of my PhD in the Effectiveness of Safety Training in the Construction Industry. This year she is looking to start an MBA. In Marilyn’s new role as Manager of the OHS Body of Knowledge (OHS BoK), at the Australian Institute of Health and Safety also known as the AIHS, she is motivated to continue the focus on the development and maintenance of chapters. She aims to position the OHS BoK as the leading global academic and professionally relevant publication for the safety industry. Throughout her 30-year career, she has worked as an educator across a range of different fields, at both the University level and Vocational Level. She is also a faculty member at the University of Fredericton in New Brunswick, Canada – where she delivers certificate and Diploma levels courses in safety leadership, communications, training, and auditing. In addition to her work in the industry, she is an active member of the American Society of Safety Professionals, where she is currently nominated for the VP of Standards and Practice committee. She is also an active member of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers where she has participated on committees and recently developed their Exam Preparation Study Guides. She is a professional member of both the Australian Institute of Training and Development and the American Talent and Development.  Marilyn runs her own safety consulting, training, and research company – BuildUp Research, where she focuses on providing educational and research support to businesses. Overall, Marilyn’s expertise, and commitment to the industry have made a significant difference, as she continues to build and support the industry with training for the OHS BoK with interventions that she develops. Alongside her industry connections and network of safety professionals, practitioners, and educators, this will provide the opportunity, to promote and develop the OHS BoK to a global market and the next generation. 

Chris is a former Director for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and is a Past-President of the organization. Chris serves as the BCSP representative, and President, on the International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organizations (INSHPO) and is also a Past-President of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).  Chris is Senior Technical Advisor to the ESH&Q Directorate for UT-Battelle at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In this unique role, he serves as a thought-leader for the development and implementation of strategies to enhance laboratory safety culture and operational performance. He focuses on improving effective interactions between front-line leaders and staff.

Day One Wrap Up

A summary of the day's highlights, an overview of what to expect on day 2 and housekeeping notes related to the networking dinner. 

Networking Dinner 

Join fellow attendees for a networking dinner.

Details TBA.

Day Two Introduction

OHS Program Accreditation – Overview/Update

BCRSP OHS Program Accreditation Task Force representatives Robin Angel and Dylan Short will provide an overview of the progress on the OHS Program Accreditation project, and information on what is to come next. 

Speakers Bios:

Robin Angel, MSc., CRSP works as a Strategic Advisor, OHS, Department of Justice, Government of Nova Scotia. Robin has 30+ years’ experience in OHS and has worked in manufacturing, petrochemical, and government at both the provincial and federal level. Robin has held the CRSP® certification since 2006.

Dylan is Managing Director of The Redlands Group Inc., with more than 20 years of expertise as a business owner, Vice President Safety, Not-For-Profit Board Leader, and International Keynote Speaker.

Robin Angel MSc. CRSP, is a safety professional with over 30 years’ experience in occupational health & safety (OHS). Robin has a Master of Science degree from Royal Roads University (British Columbia) and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Guelph (Ontario) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Certification from Queens University (Ontario). Robin has worked in chemical manufacturing, oil and gas exploration, oil refinery operations, manufacturing, and provincial and federal governments in the areas of safety, occupational hygiene, international auditing of safety, environmental and quality management systems. Robin has instructed university courses in Industrial Hygiene, Measurement & Analysis, Occupational Health, Safety Systems and Risk Management. Robin is currently employed with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice as Strategic Advisor Occupational Health and Safety with the oversight of 4 adult facilities and 1 youth centre. In 2022 Robin was given the Canadian Occupational Safety Top Woman in Safety award and she was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of significant service to the province and service during COVID.

Dylan is Managing Director of The Redlands Group Inc., with more than 20 years of expertise as a business owner, Vice President Safety, Not-For-Profit Board Leader, and International Keynote Speaker. The Redlands Group provides client focused solutions that meets your Health, Safety, and Risk assurance needs. The team has the expertise to deliver results from Executive level strategy development to front-line staff training; right sized for your organization. With his strong personal drive to pursue and achieve professional excellence, he not only works to excel in his own professional development, he works to coach, mentor, and energize members of work groups to achieve their full potential.  Dylan is a sought-after International Keynote Speaker delivering engaging messages focused on Management Systems, Influence, Change, and Risk Management. As a result of his professional and volunteer achievements, Dylan was awarded the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering’s highest award; the 2016 Safety Professional of the Year.

OHS Post-Secondary Program Accreditation Pilot – Lessons Learned

Join us for a panel discussion on the pilot of the post-secondary program accreditation standard. Hear from assessors, an OHS program that participated in the pilot, and the BCRSP’s accreditation consultant as they share their experiences and insights on the pilot and lessons learned that contribute to the finalization of the new standard.  Engage in a lively discussion on the future of OHS post-secondary accreditation in Canada and its role in shaping the quality and accessibility of post-secondary education. 

Panelists: Daniela Lee, MS, MEd, CRSP, OHSW Program Coordinator & Professor, Conestoga College,  Kathrina Loeffler, CHE, CPF, OCT, MEd, BEd, HBA, FICS, Bobby Sidhu, MSc, CRSP, Program Head, BCIT, Peter Sturm, CRSP, CHSC, EMBA, 

Moderated by: Robin Angel, MSc, CRSP, BCRSP Governing Board Chair

Panelist Bios:

Daniela Lee is Program Coordinator and Professor for the Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness (OHSW) post -graduate program at Conestoga College located in Kitchener, Ontario. She is a CRSP and has worked as a Safety Professional and consultant for over 25 years in various industries in Southwestern Ontario including national and international organizations and was the Senior Director of EHS for Blackberry. She obtained her Bachelor of Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph, her Master’s in Environmental and Industrial Health from the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan and has a Bachelors of Education from York University with a focus on teaching culturally relevant (equity, diversity and social justice) pedagogy. and also has experience in intermediate and secondary public-school teaching (Ontario). She is passionate about OHSW education, continual improvement and mentorship.

Kathrina Loeffler is the Chief Executive Officer of Facilitated Improvement for Corporate Success, Inc. (FICS). FICS has a number of contracts that include the management of accreditation programs and the development of standards and accreditation processes. Kathrina has been working in the area of accreditation for the past 19 years. Her accreditation expertise began when she was a member of the leadership team at Accreditation Canada now Health Standards Organization. That experience was honed when she started FICS (2011) and was recruited by a number of organizations to help them succeed with a variety of accreditation processes. She now oversees the development and management of several accreditation processes and is the Executive Director of the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation reporting to their Board of Directors. Kathrina is a Certified Health Executive (CHE), a Certified Professional Facilitator (CPF) and an Ontario Certified teacher (OCT). Her educational background includes a Master of Education in Organizational studies, a Bachelor of Education and an Honours’ Bachelor of Arts.

Bobby Sidhu is the Program Head of the the BCIT Occupational Health and Safety Diploma Program. He is active in networking his program with Industry to provide opportunities to his students. In this respect he's also the the current President of the American Industrial Hygiene Association BC Yukon Chapter as was a member of the BCRSP BCRSP Accreditation Standards Committee. He's a current assessor with the BCRSP Accreditation of OHS Post-Secondary Education Program. When not at BCIT he enjoys spending his time with his two young daughters and wife.

Peter Sturm, is a senior Safety, Health and Risk Management Executive with STURM Consulting Inc.  His expertise includes health and safety, workers compensation, insurance, incident investigations, prevention and sustainability. Peter is the co-author of the ASSP Accident Investigation Techniques – Best Practices for Examining Workplace Incidents which references the only consensus standard focusing on investigation incident, CSA Z1005-21, Workplace Incident Investigations. He teaches safety and incident investigations at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, University of Fredericton and George Brown College.

Networking Break

OHS Program Accreditation – Workshop

Round Table Discussion to solicit feedback on the OHS Post Secondary Program Accreditation:

-    Proposed Fee Structure
-    Proposed Application Structure

Lunch & Networking

Learner Insights Panel

This panel will bring together graduates from OHS programs and explore their views on OHS program delivery including:

- Preferences in delivery methods
- Whether program expectations were met
- How the OHS program prepared them for the workforce
- How the OHS program prepared them for a BCRSP certification

Panelists

Bhooma Raghavan, CRSP, is a Health and Safety Advisor with DIRTT, which is a global leader in industrialized construction for interior spaces. Bhooma received her CRSP in 2022, and her previous education includes a Bachelors in Biotechnology from Anna University in India, an Advanced Certificate in OHS from the University of Calgary, and a Certificate in Applied Ergonomics from the University of Fredericton. In her spare time, she has volunteered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and Calgary Public Library.

Buford Dawson, CRST, CUSP, NCSO has been in safety for 15 years, 12 of which has been working for Valard Construction and his current position with them is Safety Coordinator.  Buford started is certificate in OH&S online from UNB in 2012, and completed it in the fall of 2015.  He received his CRST designation in 2022

Moderated by David Williamson, CHSC, CRSP, Founder, SDI Group

Speaker Bios:

David A. Williamson is the founder of the SDI Group, SDI Ecowaste and partner in SDI Mobile an indigenous owned mobile testing company. David has been a CRSP since 2005 and CHSC since 2009, and is celebrating 25 years as a health and safety professional. He has also been a governor for two terms with the BCRSP. He has sat on the CCSE Edmonton Chapter Committee and is currently a Brand Ambassador for new CRSP’s and sits on the National Education Symposium Committee. David also sits on various company boards advising them on health and safety strategies and innovation. He has worked extensively in the Education, Agricultural, Municipal, Manufacturing, Construction and Oil and Gas sectors. David’s communication skills allow clients to see how a well-developed Health, Safety Management System can enhance any business model. David’s vision in providing solutions for SDI Group clients has made him a trusted resource for any organization needing non-traditional solutions to achieve Health, Safety and or Quality excellence. He is also a sought-after speaker and educator, speaking and teaching at many events throughout Western Canada. 

Global Café

Table Discussion Topics May Include:
-    What skills students need to be successful?
-    What do you think is necessary for success in institutional collaborations? How would you envision success?
-    What challenges for implementing change in your institutions exist and how might they be overcome? 
-    From a student’s perspective, what are the barriers or areas of improvement that we can address to strengthen student success numbers?
-    From an organizational perspective, how can we best engage instructors in planning for future opportunities?

Closing Remarks

Final Networking and Grab and Go Snack

Your final opportunity to network with your colleagues. A grab and go snack will also be available so you can hit the road, or head to the airport to catch a flight with a snack to go.