4 www.safestemployers.com
VIRTUAL CEREMONY,
REAL-LIFE HEROES
Our 2021 Canada's Safest Employers Awards spotlighted those individuals and
organizations really making a difference in OHS
WHAT A year it has been! For the second year running, Canada's Safest Employers
Awards has been held virtually. Though we do miss meeting — and congratulating
— people face-to-face, the wonderful thing about going digital is that safety profes-
sionals can join in from around Canada from the comfort of their own homes.
And doing things virtually certainly hasn't done anything to dampen the spirit of
our nominees, winners and sponsors. We are grateful to everyone who joined in on
October 21 and made the event one to remember.
Sheridon Taylor, Senior Vice President, Primoris Canada, described the
ceremony as a "remarkable event recognizing leaders in safety across Canada and
across a variety of industries," adding that "the ceremony inspires us all and cele-
brates the great work done across the country by so many Companies in improving
worker safety." Primoris was the sponsor of our Safety Leader of the Year award.
Mentorship
And speaking about our newly minted Safety Leader extraordinaire, George Minow,
Manager of Health, Safety and Wellness, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro, said while
accepting his award:
"I truly appreciate this honour for a career of service meant to help others do the
right thing."
Minow had an abundance of valuable advice for young OHS hopefuls.
Speaking about those wishing to enter the profession, Minow said that the best
way to learn about health and safety is to listen to those safety professionals who are
well-established in the sector:
"We have a great many talented, well-educated persons entering the profession….
Pick up all the information you can from a seasoned pro — that's how I began."
Mentorship is key for many safety professionals wishing to advance in the sector.
As OHS has gone from being an occupation to a profession and full-blown career
choice, gleaning advice from industry icons is invaluable.
All of our stellar winners and finalists were keen to share their expert advice with
those who tuned in for the day. Canadian Occupational Safety hosted a number of
panel sessions during the lead up to the announcement ceremony. We had panels
focused on mental health, sustainability, mentorship and youth engagement,
