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TOP WOMEN IN SAFETY 2021
BUSINESS STRATEGY
SPECIAL REPORT
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or Sonya Wickens, a leading role in occupational safety combines her skillset and passions:
collaborating, learning and problem-solving. "I enjoy working with people not only for my
own learning and growth, which teamwork offers, but also because I enjoy sharing my
experience and teaching."
With 25 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, Wickens is currently a safety
leader at Honda of Canada Mfg (HCM), based in Alliston, Ont. Her experience at HCM includes
leading safety training programs, recently focusing on mental health training in the workplace
and working with joint health and safety committees. She has even received a patent for welding
technologies.
Wickens attributes her success to the workplace culture at HCM. "What stands out to me is the
mentorship and support from co-workers," she says. "Teamwork, associate involvement and recog-
nition have always been a priority at HCM, which has empowered me to be successful in anything
I set out to do."
While manufacturing may have been viewed previously as a male-dominated industry, Wickens
says that is no longer the case. "There is so much support today from workplace programs, peers in
the workplace and in society, women's initiatives and training," she says. "My advice to anyone is to
go after whatever it is you set your mind to do."
SONYA WICKENS
Honda of Canada Mfg
COS Top Women in Safety
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or Tara Curley, the key to success in occupational safety is simple: "A lot of long days in mud,"
she says, laughing. "Luckily, I absolutely love what I do."
Curley has been a leader in health and safety, with a focus on the heavy construction, for
more than 20 years. As director of health, safety and environment for GFL Infrastructure group,
she currently oversees multiple divisions. "If we can just get every worker home safe, that's what
it's about," Curley says. "If the small things we do on a day-to-day basis can help keep our workers
safer, that's what keeps me going."
Over the past three years, Curley has been instrumental in developing and implementing
an industry-leading health and safety program for the diverse portfolio of GFL Infrastructure,
including the company's COR and ISO 45001 certification.
Curley says rising to those heights in a male-dominated industry has been challenging, and she
wants to continue mentoring young women entering health and safety. "One thing I'd like to leave
the industry is the opportunity for young females, in particular, to get their shot, to help them get
their foot in the door, because I believe it is an industry they can excel in. It's a phenomenal career."
TARA CURLEY
GFL Infrastructure Group - National Director EHS
COS Top Women in Safety
