Workplace Safety North (WSN) has announced the lineup of speakers for the 26th annual Mining Health and Safety Conference, set to take place from April 16 to 18 in Sudbury.
The conference, themed “Inclusive mines, a safer future,” emphasizes the importance of diversity and equity in ensuring safer work environments.
More than 300 delegates are expected to convene for this important industry event, which serves as a platform for learning, knowledge sharing, and networking among industry professionals. A wide array of speakers will cover topics ranging from inclusive leadership and multi-generational workplaces to diversity, technology, and how to improve safety culture.
“Mining is a vital and technically demanding industry,” says Mike Parent, acting WSN President. “WSN has mining health and safety specialists and mine rescue officers located across Ontario to provide mine workers with industry-specific training. Our specialists provide training and services around mine ventilation, ground control, electrical-mechanical safety, rescue and recovery operations, priority hazards, and help companies assess health and safety risks and meet legislative requirements.
“Sudbury and northern Ontario are centres of tremendous mining industry expertise,” notes Parent, “and the conference is all about sharing our expertise to help make all mining operations safer. As Canada’s premiere mining health and safety event, the conference typically sells out each year. Once again WSN will livestream the keynote speakers for those who are not able to attend in person, including mining professionals who work around the globe.
Following an opening reception on Tuesday evening, the conference begins on Wednesday, April 17, with keynote speaker Tina Varughese talking about inclusive leadership. An industry panel will discuss the latest in safety, diversity and technology developments. Over two days, delegates will also be able to visit more than 25 vendors at the Information Exchange Trade Show.
On Thursday, April 18, technical sessions on the latest health and safety research and innovations are held in the morning. Sessions include a special panel on “Women in Mining” as well as a review of the evolution of mining risks over the last ten years. An awards luncheon recognizes achievements in mining health and safety, and keynote speaker Jill Heinerth will wrap up the conference.
“The event couldn’t happen without the dedicated staff at WSN and the generosity of sponsors like Sofvie, Redpath, and WSIB. There will also be an industry panel discussing the intersection of health and safety, diversity, and technology, and our emcee this year will be Alicia Woods, founder and CEO of Covergalls Workwear,” adds Parent.
For the sixth year running, Workplace Safety North will offer free video livestream of keynote speakers on Wednesday, April 17, and the afternoon of Thursday, April 18.
