2026 Top Women in Safety special report is out, spotlighting 10 outstanding female leaders
Canadian Occupational Safety has released its 2026 Top Women in Safety special report, spotlighting 10 outstanding female leaders who are reshaping health and safety practice across Canada. From utilities and construction to food services and consulting, these professionals are advancing innovative programs, strengthening safety culture, and mentoring the next generation of talent.
This year’s honourees are recognized for combining strategic vision with hands‑on execution. They are driving systems-level improvements, embedding technology into safety management, and keeping psychological health and wellness firmly on the agenda – all while delivering measurable results for workers and organizations.
Among this year’s winners, Ainsworth’s Katie Dolan emphasizes the importance of aligning safety with the broader business mission. “What sets me apart is my ability to connect systems, strategy, people, and business objectives — because real safety leadership happens where they intersect,” she says in the report. That mindset underpins her work consolidating fragmented programs into a unified, standardized approach that supports consistent outcomes across regions.
Catherine Bennett of Compass Group Canada highlights how technology-enabled systems can transform safety performance. “My key differentiator is systems thinking that leverages technology to connect safety strategy to execution. I build practical systems using technology-enabled platforms to embed controls, reduce risk, and support consistent performance,” she explains. Her initiatives include redesigning management systems to align with ISO 45001 and using digital tools to make guidance accessible to frontline teams.
The full report explores the achievements, philosophies, and on‑the‑ground impact of all 10 winners, along with data insights and industry commentary on the changing face of safety leadership in Canada.
Meet the 2026 Top Women in Safety
• May Bchouti, Empire Roofing Corporation
• Miranda Brazil, Newfoundland Power
• Ada Nadison, FortisBC Energy Inc.
• Cassandra Boland, Green Infrastructure Partners Inc.
• Catherine Bennett, Compass Group Canada
• Christy Giberson, Strike Group
• Deebiga Rajendran, NPL Canada Inc.
• Hema Trivedi, Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation
• Jessica Amadio, SafetyCo Partners
• Katie Dolan, Ainsworth
• Kim Neddo, Key to Safety Inc.
• Mary Marziano, Safety First Consulting (a SafetyCo Partner)
Explore the complete profiles, data, and insights in the full Top Women in Safety 2026 report, now live on Canadian Occupational Safety.
