Panel Discussion
The panel will explore practical components of successful OHS Committees and the role they play.
Harold Cormier
Hal Cormier has been an employee with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (CBPP) for 32 years and counting. He has been an active OHS Union Rep. on the committee for the past 12 years. Hal is an Ives Certified Industrial Lift Truck Trainer at his workplace and is also a Town Councillor with the Town of Pasadena.
Jo-Ann Woodland
Jo-Ann Woodland has been employed with WorkplaceNL the for the past 21 years. Throughout her career, she has held various positions in the Claims Services and Prevention Services Departments. Since 2019, Jo-Ann has been primarily working with the Certification Training Standards as Senior Health and Safety Advisor. She has over 15 years’ experience working directly with employers and OHS Committees across all industries.
Jo-Ann is a Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC) and is a graduate from the College of the North Atlantic with a Business Management Program and a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Memorial University.
Alan MacDonald
Alan MacDonald is an Electrician with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (CBPP). He has worked with CBPP for a total of 22 years filling various positions. Alan has been an active OHS committee member with his workplace for the past 8 years, and has been Co-Chair of that committee for the last 2 years. Recently he joined the Emergency Actions Committee which has been dealing with the global pandemic, COVID-19, and its effects on the workforce. This committee’s sole purpose is to navigate the ever-changing challenges that arise when dealing with COVID-19.
April 29th, 2026 Day 1 - April 29th
AI in Occupational Health & Safety - The Next Frontier
In this session, Andrew Pike and Andrew Mercer explore how AI is beginning to shape the way we identify hazards, train workers, and make safety decisions. Through a conversational presentation and short live demonstration, they unpack what AI is, what it isn’t, and what it could become for workplaces in Newfoundland and Labrador. They’ll explore both the opportunities and the challenges - from smarter data use and predictive tools to questions about privacy, ethics, and the human role in an increasingly digital workplace. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how AI can support, not replace people.
April 30th, 2026 Day 2 - April 30th
“Unlocking Truths: A Science-Based Approach to Interviewing During Occupational Health & Safety Investigations
Investigations are a form of inquiry undertaken for the purpose of determining the truth of the matter in question. Interviewing is arguably the most important part of occupational health & safety investigations. In this talk, we will discuss the importance of gathering
complete and accurate information during OHS investigations. Conducting science-based interviews help investigators make consequential decisions, manage risks, and minimize exposure to liabilities. Following best practices also helps build professional
credibility at the individual and organizational levels. We will unpack a five-phase model of interviewing.
April 30th, 2026 Day 2 - April 30th
CBN Fires 2025
When Roger Gillingham’s pager went off on Aug 3, he thought it would be a normal fire call. It was one of many the North Shore Volunteer Fire Department (NSVFD) received over the summer. Almost a dozen
fires started in their jurisdiction from April to August, including one in Adam’s Cove that destroyed 12 homes. But that sunny afternoon, the unthinkable happened – a fire in the woods that would lead to a month-long evacuation across nine communities. The fire started in
Kingston and burned for almost three weeks in August. It burned over 10,000 hectares, spanning the 16 kilometers to Northern Bay, and torching nearly 200 homes. Come listen to their story.
April 30th, 2026 Day 2 - April 30th
The Mind-Body Connection: Tips for Wellness at Work
This session explores the connection between psychological and physical health, highlighting how mental wellbeing impacts musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention. We will discuss work-related risk factors common to both mind and body injury outcomes,
emphasizing how addressing these factors can improve overall workplace health. You will also learn practical steps to prioritize wellness in busy or stressful work environments.
Day 3 - May 1st Day 3 - May 1st
Call to Action: Policies and Procedures Based on Planning
What do we base our management systems on? Legislation? Compliance? Benchmarking? In keeping with this year’s theme, let us discuss how we can make our plans “Personal.” Today, we will talk about basing our management systems on what we Need, addressing
gaps, improving performance, identifying, and correcting our weaknesses and of course, encompassing any legislative changes or requirements to be compliant.