Focus on diversity, inclusion, and frontline workers
As the sun rises over the bustling city of Calgary, safety professionals from across Canada eagerly await the upcoming Women in Safety Summit set to commence Thursday. With high expectations for insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and empowering narratives, attendees are poised to delve into the future of safety leadership.
The summit is poised to begin with opening remarks from Lee-Anne Lyon-Bartley, executive vice president of health, safety, sustainability, quality, and community at Dexterra Group, who is expected to set the stage with an impassioned address, focusing on diversity and inclusion in safety leadership.
"I've emphasized a lot the importance of frontline workers and the knowledge that they have," Lyon-Bartley reflects, echoing the sentiment of many in anticipation of the event. "That's what we really need to continuously concentrate on - their value, the knowledge that they bring to conversations."
Following Lyon-Bartley's address, Nicole Brackett, director of sales at Avetta, is scheduled to deliver the welcome address, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among attendees as they embark on this collective journey toward safer workplaces.
The morning is expected to unfold with a captivating keynote presentation by Sari Sairanen, executive assistant to the secretary treasurer at Unifor National. With 16 years of experience in a health and safety role with the union, Sairanen is anticipated to address the audience with wisdom and insight, setting the tone for engaging discussions to follow.
"The future of safety is still about the workers," Sairanen asserts, offering a glimpse into the themes that will shape the summit's discussions. "It's still about ensuring that the workers are part of the process."
As the day progresses, attendees are eager to participate in roundtable reflections, exploring strategies to enhance personal and organizational resilience in an ever-evolving landscape of safety challenges.
The afternoon session promises to delve into critical topics, including addressing bias and stereotypes in safety and showcasing inclusive personal protective equipment (PPE) designs tailored to fit women's bodies. Attendees are keen to gain insights and practical solutions to drive positive change in their workplaces.
"With all the technology that we have, it's human beings that are at the center of it all," Sairanen remarks, offering a perspective that underscores the human element in safety innovation and implementation.
The summit is poised to culminate in a thought-provoking panel on navigating change in safety, offering attendees valuable insights into emerging trends and the transformative impact of technology on safety outcomes.
As the day draws to a close, attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the enriching discussions and collective commitment to advancing safety leadership. With newfound insights and inspiration, they will depart the summit equipped to drive positive change and foster safer, more inclusive workplaces in their respective organizations.
With anticipation running high, the Women in Safety Summit 2024 promises to be a pivotal event, paving the way for tomorrow's safety leaders and shaping the future of safety in Canada and beyond.
