'I find it unacceptable' says panel moderator about Canada's fatality rate ahead of gathering of safety leaders
The Canadian Safety Summit on June 17, sponsored by event parnter EcoOnline, convenes workplace safety professionals from across the country. One of the summit’s key sessions is the panel discussion, “Safety Leaders Unfiltered: Risks, Realities and the Road Ahead,” moderated by Rod Cook, vice president of Workplace Health and Safety Services at the WSIB.
Cook brings extensive experience in workplace safety to the panel, and outlines the themes he aims to explore and the essential conversations he plans to facilitate to improve safety outcomes in Canada.
Aiming to shift the narrative on stubborn challenges
Cook notes Canada’s persistent workplace fatality rate has stayed steady with about three workers dying each day on the job. “We really haven’t seen the fatalities in Canada change for decades,” he says. “I find it unacceptable.” He intends to ask panelists how their organizations are confronting these enduring challenges and working to change the narrative. “We have an opportunity at this summit to have that dialog,” he adds. “I don’t want to retire until that narrative has changed.”
Cook emphasizes the significance of economic and political pressures—such as tariffs and competitive global markets—on safety practices. “Are companies being forced to do more with less?” he asks, underscoring how these factors can impact health and safety performance.
Exploring AI’s role in health and safety
The panel will also discuss emerging issues such as artificial intelligence (AI). While Cook says he does not have a specific question prepared on AI, he remains intrigued by the topic. “Most of the AI experience that I’m seeing as it relates to health and safety is more about how AI can help us better inform where resources and energy should go to improve results.”
He acknowledges that the discussion of AI-driven risks is relatively new in the safety context, noting, “As for AI also being a risk, I’m intrigued by that as well.”
Seeking insights and momentum
Cook views the summit as a chance to engage with fellow professionals and ensure safety efforts align with organizational needs. “I always enjoy being around health and safety professionals and hearing their perspectives,” he says. “Are we focused on the right things? Do we have the right themes that organizations are looking at to change this narrative around increased occupational injury and fatalities?”
He also discusses the WSIB’s investments in wearable technology and partnerships with the Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness and Performance. “The wearable technology is giving us better insights into what leads to injuries,” he says. While these initiatives aren’t the primary focus of the summit, Cook sees them as part of a broader dialog about leveraging improved data and technology to drive safer outcomes.
Embracing new standards
Cook expresses strong support for the recent decision to recognize ISO 45001 and COR as equivalent standards under Ontario’s Working for Workers Act. “This is excellent progress,” he says. “I was really pleased to see that they’re being recognized as equivalents because I think this allows more options for employers who want to invest in health and safety and improve their health and safety outcomes.” He adds that this change aligns with the WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence Program, which supports over 5,000 organizations across the province.
Looking to the future
As the panel’s moderator, Cook focuses on fostering practical, solution-oriented discussions among Canada’s safety leaders. “I’m energized by the idea that we can change these outcomes,” he says. “I’m optimistic, and I think that’s what this summit is all about—having these important conversations and making real progress.”
