Canadian Occupational Safety

E D I T O R I A L SUMMER is here! For the second year in a row, Canada is facing somewhat of a different summer season than usual. Thankfully, here in Ontario at least, we've been able to go outside and (partially) enjoy the great outdoors. Another thing to be hopeful about is that, after a sluggish start, the vaccine campaign has truly been cranked up a notch across the country. As I am writing this, COVID-19 numbers are slowly going down. High vaccination levels mean that Canada is closer than ever to coming out of the pandemic, and I would urge anyone who is able to do so to get their shot. I got my first shot in May, and while I'm still respecting all the same guidelines as I was before (wearing my mask, socially distancing, furiously washing my hands), that first jab gave me a sense of a relief which I hadn't felt in a very long time — I have a bit more of a spring in my step now! It feels like the first hurdle toward a return to normalcy has been passed. With that in mind, I've been thinking a lot about what a post-COVID world will look like and, most importantly, if we will heed the lessons we learned from the pandemic. Because while this last year has been awash with financial hardships and personal tragedy for many of us, there have been some truly wonderful things too: A better recognition of frontline workers, which I hope translates into fairer wages; An openness to more flexible (and productive) ways of working; More compassion and understanding for those suffering from mental health issues; And perhaps, after being locked indoors for so long, a greater sense of community too. Summer 2020 also saw the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, and with the recent Stop Asian Hate rallies held across North America, now is the time to put in the work to make sure that workplaces are as inclusive, equitable and safe as possible for all workers. On to our cover story: for the sixth(!) year running, we are pleased to bring back our annual Readers' Choice Awards. Started in 2016, these awards are among our most popular and are extra important because the winners are chosen by you, our expert readers. Every year we are so happy to see the votes pouring in, especially as we know how much it means to our winners. Though this year is hectic as ever, hopefully the summer months will also give businesses and organi- zations a chance to re-think and refresh some of their practices, notably emergency planning and first aid training. Find out more in this month's spotlight feature. I wish you all a wonderful summer, and I hope that in next issue's editorial I'll still feel as optimistic as I do now. Maia Foulis, editor, Canadian Occupational Safety Contents of Canadian Occupational Safety are copyright © 2021 KMI Publishing and Events Ltd and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. KMI Publishing and Events Ltd disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect of the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. HST # 82578 9548 RT-0001 Canada Post — Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement 41261516 International Standard Serial Number 0008-4611. The publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, colour transparencies or other materials. Manuscripts or other materials must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Canadian Occupational Safety is published six times yearly by Key Media Canada Ltd KEY MEDIA and the KEY MEDIA logo are trademarks of Key Media IP Limited, and used under licence by Key Media Canada Ltd CANADIAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY is a trademark of Key Media Canada Ltd 20 Duncan St. 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON. M5H 3G8 www.cos-mag.com Issue dates are March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December, January/February. Subscription price: Canada: $69 plus tax; US: $69,International: $96 Canadian Occupational Safety makes every effort to ensure accuracy in all items reported, but cannot accept responsibility for the representations or claims made by sources used. It is also not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. EDITORIAL Editor Maia Foulis Production Editor Patricia Cancilla Writer Jim Wilson Columnists Glyn Jones Lee-Anne Lyon-Bartley Loretta Bouwmeester PRODUCTION Designer Ace Dequina Production Co-ordinators Kat Guzman, Ella Dayandante Client Success Co-ordinator Kshipra Dhindaw Global Production Manager Alicia Chin (on leave) SALES & ADVERTISING Fred Crossley fred.crossley@keymedia.com 416 644 8740 ext. 236 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Guy Chenard, CRSP, C.E.T. Safety Consultant Dave Gouthro, CRSP, CHSC, CHSO Occupational Health & Safety Consulting David Johnston, CRSP Director, EHS, Toronto Hydro Eldeen Pozniak, CHSC, CHSMSA, CRSP, Director, Pozniak Safety Associates Laura Rourke, CRSP, Peng, TSRP EHSS manager, Tigercat Industries Dan Strand, CRSP, CIH, ROH Director, Prevention Field Services, WorkSafeBC ISSUE 59.03 www.thesafetymag.com/ca OCCUPATIONALSAFETY CANADIAN Printed in ACCESS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANY DEVICE. NEWSLETTER 12:40 AM 100% Sign up today. It's FREE. Receive the latest news and updates about the world of occupational health and safety, delivered straight to your inbox regularly. SCAN TO LEARN MORE Turning over a new leaf

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