Safety Moment, Announcements and Door Prizes

The Cannabis Conundrum: How to Keep Employees Safe

Since cannabis legalization in 2018, usage has surged and become normalized, creating new challenges for workplace safety. With high-potency THC products and the discreet use of edibles, traditional drug testing has not kept pace, raising questions about legality, privacy, and risk management. Navigating this complex landscape means education, based on facts and hard science, is vital. Success depends on the collective involvement of employees, supervisors, and management at all levels. This session will identify practical strategies and best practices to address cannabis-related risks and build a culture that supports both individual rights and organizational safety. This is not just about compliance; it’s about fostering a safe and informed workplace in the face of evolving norms.

Coffee & Viewing of Exhibits (stretch break)

“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.

Impact Speaker

Raymond Dalton has been in the Marine and Offshore Oil and Gas industry for the last 40 years. The first half of his career he spent as a deck officer and eventually Captain and spent several years as Captain of the Terra Nova FPSO. In 2006 his younger brother was killed while working in a confined space onboard the shuttle tanker “Kometik”. After the incident he focused on safety training and received a certificate in Health and Safety from the University of Fredericton and is currently working as a Safety Manager for Sea1 Offshore Canada. For
the last 20 years he has tried to keep his brother’s memory alive by sharing the story and the lessons learned. Each year he visits the Marine Institute and talks to the first-year students who are preparing to start their marine careers and discusses the incident and the workers rights (Right to Know, Right to Participate and Right to Refuse Unsafe Work).

Lunch

Served in the lobby.

What to Expect During an OHS Inspection

Learn what to expect during an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Inspection, from legal requirements and roles and responsibilities to practical preparation tips, so you can turn inspections into opportunities for a safe and healthy workplace.

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.

Coffee and Viewing of Exhibits (stretch break)

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.

Reception - Cash Bar (Quality Hotel)

NLOHSA Annual Dinner (Quality Hotel)

Music, Karaoke and Dance to follow

Safety Moment, Announcements and Door Prizes

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.

Coffee (stretch break)

“Securing OT in Maritime Environments: Bridging IT and OT for Safety

Robert is an Information Technology veteran with over 15 years of experience specializing in networking and cybersecurity within the maritime industry. Throughout his career, he has developed deep expertise in regulatory frameworks and standards, including IMO Resolution MSC.428(98) and DNV Cyber Secure notations for vessels. His work focuses on advancing cyber resilience in maritime operations,
ensuring compliance, and implementing robust security architectures for critical systems at sea.

“Civil Construction Practical Application of Excavation processes and Learnings

Alex has over 12 years’ experience in the Health and Safety Field. Before coming to GIP, Alex worked with a general contractor specializing in wastewater and water infrastructure. Alex has worked on and been responsible for projects from NB, ON, MB, SK, and BC. Today Alex will discuss the prevention of utility strikes during ground
disturbance.

Closing Remarks and Door Prize Draw William Foote, President

NLOHSA – Annual General Meeting (Auditorium)