For any awards, carrying out fair, consistent, and accurate judging is key to ensuring the true winners are recognized. To deliver this, we have assembled a diverse and unbiased judging panel of experts. The judges are assigned categories which reflect their expertise and are asked to recuse themselves from voting in any category in which there is a conflict of interest
All Judges are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement for the purpose of preventing the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. This includes the sharing of the information contained within the submission forms with any third parties and communicating with shortlisted nominees in any way.
As President and CEO at Kii Health, Karen specializes in delivering exceptional client engagement through leading digital health and wellness programs.
Karen has spent the majority of her career as a leader and advocate for mental health and continues to introduce organizations to new trends in providing accessible healthcare. Karen brings over 20 years in the health and wellness space and has extensive experience training in development, mental health and second opinion medicals.
Throughout her career Karen has played an instrumental role as a leader and mentor to colleagues and clients alike and has received many nominations and awards including the “Who’s Who in Healthcare award”. Karen is a past Chair of the Ontario Shores Centre for mental health foundation and currently serves on the board of Directors.
Robin Angel MSc. CRSP, is a safety professional with over 30 years’ experience in occupational health & safety (OHS). Robin has a Master of Science degree from Royal Roads University (British Columbia) and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Guelph (Ontario) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Certification from Queens University (Ontario).
Robin has worked in chemical manufacturing, oil and gas exploration, oil refinery operations, manufacturing, and provincial and federal governments in the areas of safety, occupational hygiene, international auditing of safety, environmental and quality management systems. Robin has instructed university courses in Industrial Hygiene, Measurement & Analysis, Occupational Health, Safety Systems and Risk Management.
Robin is currently employed with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice as Strategic Advisor Occupational Health and Safety with the oversight of 4 adult facilities and 1 youth centre. In 2022 Robin was given the Canadian Occupational Safety Top Woman in Safety award and she was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of significant service to the province and service during COVID.
For more than 20 years, Rod Cook has been a leader in business transformation in both the private and public sectors.
Currently, Rod is the Vice President of Workplace Health and Safety Services at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). He oversees all aspects of workplace health and safety programs at the WSIB, with a focus on being at the forefront of innovation and creating a culture of health and safety in Ontario. In 2019, he led the launch of a digital-first program; the Health and Safety Excellence program (HSEp), which provides a clear roadmap for businesses to improve their health and safety culture and practices leading to injury and illness avoidance. Shortly after the launch of HSEp, the team received an international recognition by winning a Bronze Stevie award for Sales and Customer Service, under the COVID-19 response category.
Before joining Workplace Health and Safety Services, Rod spent four years as the WSIB’s Vice President of Human Resources. Under Rod’s leadership, the WSIB was awarded the Mental Health at Work Silver Level certification from Excellence Canada.
In 2018, Rod was awarded with the Morley Gunderson Prize by the University of Toronto to recognize and honour his outstanding professional achievement and service to the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources. Most recently, Rod was appointed to the Prevention Council to provide advice to the Minister and Chief Prevention Officer.
Rod serves on multiple Board of Directors including National Institute of Disability Management and Research, the Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences and Excellence Canada.
Rod has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Concordia University and a Master’s degree in Industrial Relations from University of Toronto. Rod also earned the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP)® designation in 2020.
Dr. Da Silva is currently an Assistant Professor of Physics at Toronto Metropolitan University and the current President of the Association of the Chemical Profession of Ontario (ACPO). He holds advanced degrees in Chemistry & Biology, Molecular Sciences and Biomedical Physics. He is trained in both chemistry and radiological physics and specializes in analytical/physical chemistry, applied radiation physics and medical physics. His career includes experience in research and development settings and industrial distillation operations.
Chris Davis is the Manager, Operations and Business Development at Energy Safety Canada. In this role, he provides strategic direction to ESC’s leadership team while advancing best in class scalable health, safety and training solutions into the ever-evolving energy sector.
His three-decade career in the energy and transportation sectors spans many large projects from the gulf of Mexico to the high Arctic.
Chris completed OH&S studies with the University of Alberta in 2013 and CRSP designation in 2014.
Pamela is a Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE), a Fitwel Ambassador, and a Certified Master Wellness Ambassador (CMWA) . With over 25 years practicing and specializing in the fields of Ergonomics/ Human Factors and Employee Health and Wellness, she provides comprehensive Corporate consulting services including Assessment, Education/Training, and Program Development to both private and public sector organizations. She also holds Baccalaureate degrees in Occupational Therapy (Dalhousie University) and Psychology (Saint Mary’s University).
Pamela is a full member of the College for the Certification of Canadian Ergonomists (CCCPE) and the Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE). She is a Board Member of the Universal Design Network of Canada and is a Program Advisor at Wellness Works Canada and the Workplace Wellness Centre of Excellence.
Pamela and the Associate Team at Dempster Wellness are truly passionate about Employee Health and Wellness and its effects on workplace culture. They work collaboratively with employers and employees through change processes needed to make work environments and corporate culture safe, more productive, happy, and well!
Manager, Consulting Services (Central East Region)
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
About Craig Fairclough
Craig Fairclough is the Consulting Services Manager for the Northeast Region with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to meet the health and safety needs of approximately 172,000 businesses in the manufacturing, agricultural, and service sector, representing over 4.2 million employees across Ontario. Prior to joining the leadership team, Craig served as an Occupational Hygienist & Senior Consultant with the WSPS for over 22 years; serving customers throughout Ontario and the United States.
He has over 28 years of combined occupational health, safety and hygiene experience in the private industry, government, and consulting field across a variety of industries. Craig is also an adjunct Professor with Toronto Metropolitan University and has been a national and international speaker presenting at many symposiums and conferences including the AIHCe or the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition and the World Congress on Safety and Health at Work.
Craig’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), formerly Ryerson University in Environmental Health, majoring in Occupational Health and Safety with a minor in Public Administration. He also received his Masters Degree in Occupational Health from McGill University. His professional designations includes Certified Industrial Hygienist, Registered Occupational Hygienist, Canadian Registered Safety Professional and Certified Human Resource Leader.
Patrick Hauser has 20 years of experience in occupational health and safety. He’s been a Canadian Registered Safety Professional since 2010. For the past 15 years Patrick has worked at the University of Saskatchewan helping to facilitate continual improvement and to reduce injuries in many post-secondary educational and research environments. This includes specialized laboratories across campus, and developing safety plans for various field research and taught-abroad courses continually happening all around the world.
Since 2007 Patrick has actively volunteered for the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE/HSPC) helping organize in-person, virtual and hybrid safety awareness events, mentoring new health and safety professionals, and supporting the annual Saskatoon Steps for Life Walk. He is grateful to know so many inspiring health and safety professionals from Saskatoon, the prairie region and across the country.
Director at Large on the CSSE National Board of Directors
Canadian Society of Safety Engineering
About Bruce Jackson
Bruce Jackson has worked in the OH&S field for 28 years. Prior to becoming a safety consultant in 2017 he spent 20 years with WorkSafeBC working in a variety of capacities – as a prevention officer, instructor, and in prevention quality assurance.
He’s a graduate of BCIT in both OH&S and operations management, and holds a graduate degree in human factors & safety management systems. He has a BC Provincial Instructor Diploma, a Diploma in Adult Education, and is completing a program related to online teaching. Bruce is currently studying psychological health and safety and pursuing further graduate coursework in OH&S at a university outside of Canada.
He’s a Canadian Registered Safety Professional, a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, and a Certified Instructional Trainer.
Bruce’s volunteer activities in OH&S include serving as a member of the board of directors for both Health and Safety Professionals Canada and the Auditing Association of Canada. He’s the chairperson of the regional screening center for the lower mainland for the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals, an OH&S programs assessor for the BCRSP, and has participated in several safety certification projects for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals in the US.
Gareth Jones is an executive and leader in the field of public and occupational health and safety in Canada. Currently serving as the President and CEO of the Canada Safety Council, Gareth has over 20 years of senior executive leadership and throughout has held a focus on the safety and wellbeing of Canadians at work and leisure. Gareth’s business acumen and strategic thinking have been key assets throughout his career. As the Acting President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety, he played a vital role in driving the organization’s growth and success. Gareth’s commitment to fostering a safety-conscious society is unwavering, and his leadership continues to make a lasting impact on the well-being of Canadians.
Manager, Excellence in Manufacturing Safety Program
About Kelly Killby
Kelly Killby is a consultant with 20+ years of management system experience, including development and implementation of management system requirements across disciplines in Corporate Sustainability, Environment, Health and Safety. Based in Stratford Ontario, she assists employers with system implementation, analysis, evaluation, auditing, training and program development. She is a ISO management system certified lead auditor. Currently she manages the Excellence in Manufacturing National Health and Safety Network where she works with manufacturers across Canada to improve health and safety and build a health and safety management system.
Lori McIlwraith is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience providing advice and guidance in health and safety to companies in Ontario. Currently serving as the Territory Manager for the Central region at Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS), a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to meet the health and safety needs of 172,000 businesses in the agricultural, manufacturing, and service industries, representing 4.2 million employees across Ontario.
In her role at WSPS, Lori is dedicated to partnering with companies to implement effective safety strategies for the prevention of workplace injuries. She leads a team of health and safety professionals who develop relationships and act as trusted advisors, assisting companies in their health and safety journey.
Lori holds a master’s degree in Occupational and Environmental Health from the University of Toronto, as well as an undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph. Known for her desire to assist, collaborative nature, and unwavering dedication to workplace safety, Lori is deeply invested in empowering organizations to create safer, healthier, and more productive work environments.
Yvonne O’Reilly, the owner of O’Reilly Health & Safety Consulting, is based in Stratford, Ontario. She assists organizations in effectively implementing their OHS management system by providing due diligence & awareness training, compliance audits, and JHSC workshops.
Yvonne is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), and is an instructor for the University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies as part of the Human Resources and OHS certificate programs.
Her professional commitment has led her to become involved in several organizations to foster and promote the OHS profession. In addition to serving as a judge for Canada’s Safest Employer awards, she has chaired the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) national North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week Committee and served three terms on the Governing Board of the BCSRP. She has been a presenter at national conferences and has chaired conferences for Bongarde Media and Lancaster House.
Eldeen, is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), a Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC), a Certified Health and Safety Management System Auditor (CHSMSA), a Fellow of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (FIIRSM) and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the UK (CMIOSH),… and has her MBA in Global Leadership. She has a diverse safety designation and educational background.
Eldeen is committed to a Safer World of Work. Her commitment is demonstrated by her 25 plus years of experience and involvement as an advisor and consultant to various industry sectors, government organizations, and businesses, and as a professor at educational institutions. She consults in management and leadership and recognizes that a sense of purpose is a foundation piece to success and self-satisfaction. It is shown by her reach – she has worked on 6 of the 7 continents and in 33 different countries. It is also shown through her involvement and volunteer positions in safety and health related associations. Eldeen is the Past President of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) and the past president of the International Network of Safety and Health Professional Organizations (INSHPO), is on the OneWish board and is the current standards practice chair of the International Practice Specialty of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). Eldeen Focuses her life and work on concepts of leadership, emotional intelligence and the power of influence. Well known for her sense of humor and down to earth approach, Eldeen uses experiences from her consulting practice and her personal life to deliver a timely, well researched and insightful messages and education.
Due to her commitment and professionalism, she has received regional, national and international recognition. She has been honored by the American Society of Safety Professionals in their publication – 100 Women making a difference in the safety, health and environment profession, she been inducted into the Saskatchewan Safety Hall of Fame, had been presented with both the Saskatchewan and Canadian Safety Professional of the year award (in different years), received the ASSP presidents award for safety recognition, and she was recognized and invited to have tea with the queen at Buckingham palace for her contributions to health and safety globally. In 2021 Eldeen was named Top Women in Safety by COS magazine, 10 Most Successful Women Leaders to Follow in the 2023 issue of The Inc Magazine, and A Women of Inspiration by the Universal Womens Network.
Industry and Program Specialist – Worker Engagement
WorkSafeBC
About Robin Schooley
Robin Schooley is part of the Worker Engagement team in Prevention Programs & Services at WorkSafeBC. Robin has a background in journalism and communications and brings those skills to influence safety behavior in B.C. workplaces. Robin works with her team to reduce injuries by raising awareness, creating empowerment, and developing resources to engage workers and employers.
Jonathan Sherman has been with the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board since 2020, and is currently the Director, Prevention.
He has worked in training, health and safety for over 15 years in the construction, mining, manufacturing and post-secondary industries, supporting operations in Saskatchewan and across North America. He is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (2015) and holds a bachelor of science in chemistry (2002) and a masters in English literature (2009) from the University of Saskatchewan.
Dylan is Managing Director of The Redlands Group Inc., with more than 20 years of expertise as a business owner, Vice President Safety, Not-For-Profit Board Leader, and International Keynote Speaker.The Redlands Group provides client focused solutions that meets your Health, Safety, and Risk assurance needs. The team has the expertise to deliver results from Executive level strategy development to front-line staff training; right sized for your organization.
With his strong personal drive to pursue and achieve professional excellence, he not only works to excel in his professional development, but he also works to coach, mentor, and energize members of work groups to achieve their full potential. Dylan is a sought-after International Keynote Speaker delivering engaging messages focused on Management Systems, Influence, Change, and Risk Management. As a result of his professional and volunteer achievements, Dylan was awarded the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering’s highest award; the 2016 Safety Professional of the Year.
Executive Director of Health, Wellness, Safety, and Ability Management
Island Health
About Dan Strand
Dan Strand is the Executive Director of Health, Wellness, Safety, and Ability Management at Island Health. He leads the development and implementation of strategies that foster a culture of safety, psychological well-being, and workforce engagement. His work focuses on implementing proactive injury and illness prevention, innovative wellness initiatives, and strengthening ability management programs to support employees in maintaining their health and productivity.
Prior to joining Island Health, Dan spent nine years as the Director of Prevention Field Services at WorkSafeBC, where he led a team of over 300 occupational safety and hygiene officers. He was responsible for engaging with workers and employers to reduce workplace risks through education, consultation, and enforcement across British Columbia. He played a key role in developing innovative safety strategies, with a particular focus on the healthcare sector.
Before WorkSafeBC, Dan spent 15 years at Vancouver International Airport as Manager of Health and Safety, implementing programs that significantly reduced workplace injuries, enhanced employee well-being, and strengthened the organization’s safety culture.
Dan also served as President of the Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists from 2009 to 2010, following his term as Director for the Western Provinces from 2007 to 2009. Additionally, he completed a four-year term on the Board of Governors of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), representing the Province of British Columbia.
Senior Safety, Health and Risk Management Executive
STURM Consulting Inc
About Peter Sturm, EMBA, BA, CRSP, CHSC
Peter Sturm, is a senior Safety, Health and Risk Management Executive with STURM Consulting Inc. His expertise includes health and safety, workers compensation, insurance, incident investigations, prevention and sustainability.
Peter is the co-author of the ASSP Accident Investigation Techniques – Best Practices for Examining Workplace Incidents which references the only consensus standard focusing on investigation incident, CSA Z1005-21, Workplace Incident Investigations
He teaches safety and incident investigations at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, University of Fredericton and George Brown College.
His leadership roles include:
Chair CSA Z1005 Incident Investigation Standard
Past President, Canadian Society of Safety Engineering,
Director & Executive Team member of Minerva Canada,
BCRSP Governor
He holds the designations of CRSP, Professional Member (CSSE) & CHSC. This includes an EMBA, Global Leadership, is active with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering & American Society of Safety Professionals.
He was awarded the CSSE Safety Professional of the Year in 2015, & Outstanding Service to CSSE/Volunteer of the Year in 2019.
Sandro Perruzza is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE). Sandro is also on the Board of Directors of Minerva Canada, and the Past-Chair of the Construction & Design Alliance of Ontario. He also serves on numerous committees and advisory boards across the country. He has been recognized for the ability to translate complex concepts and situations into unique and practical solutions, which have been implemented in numerous fortune 500 companies, as well as in small and medium sized enterprises. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from McMaster University, as well as a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from McMaster, and has recently obtained his ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Prior to joining OSPE, Sandro was the Chief of Client Services at Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, where he was a member of the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s Prevention Operations Forum. Sandro lives in Oakville, with his wife and four children, and is actively involved in the community.
With over 15 years of progressive experience at Service Hospitality, now serving as the Director, Strategic Partners & Planning, Alison works closely with the CEO to guide Service Hospitality’s strategic direction and create meaningful connections that add real value for members and stakeholders across the province.
Alison has a strong track record of championing innovation and advancing initiatives that reflect Service Hospitality’s vision and values. Known for her expertise in corporate planning, facilitation, and strategic alignment, she brings a collaborative approach to leadership that empowers teams and strengthens Service Hospitality’s role as an industry leader in health, safety, and wellness.
Since 2022, Alison has also served on the Board of Minerva Canada Safety Management Education, where she contributes as Secretary Treasurer. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of Victoria.
Natalie Carscadden is an Occupational Health and Safety Professional with extensive experience in occupational health and safety management systems (HSMS) including program development and implementation, training development and delivery, auditing, incident investigations, coaching/mentoring, and risk management. Her formal education includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph, Occupational Health and Safety Certificate from Cambrian College, as well as a Certificate in Safety Leadership from the University of New Brunswick and a Certificate in Adult Learning from the Canadian College of Educators. Natalie is bilingual (French, English) Natalie has over thirty years of work experience in occupational health and safety. Her professional experience started as an ergonomics consultant and progressively transitioned to all elements of health and safety including policy writing and implementation, dedicated hazard assessment and control, and HSMS auditing in Ontario workplaces with the WSIB. She has worked in various sectors including forestry, mining, education and industrial settings. In the past decade Natalie lead her team and the organization in the development, improvement and maintenance of the HSMS at Sudbury’s Health Sciences North. Natalie is very active in her professional associations. She was privileged to be past President of the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists (CCCPE) and the Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE). She is presently serving as a Governor and Secretary on the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP). Natalie is an Occupational Health and Safety Consultant in Sudbury Ontario and a part-time professor with the Workplace Safety and Prevention, a collaborative program through Cambrian, Lambton and Seneca Colleges.
Ronald Pelot, Ph.D., P.Eng., has been a professor in Industrial Engineering at Dalhousie University since 1994. Over the past three decades, he and his team have developed new software tools and analysis methods applied to maritime traffic safety (accidents at sea), environmental impacts of marine shipping traffic, and coastal zone safety and security. Research methods encompass spatial risk analysis, vessel traffic modelling, data processing and pattern analysis, location models for response resource allocation, safety analyses, logistics planning, and cumulative shipping impacts studies. He has taught courses in human factors engineering, risk and decision analysis, operations research and engineering economics. Dr. Pelot has published over 200 journal articles, conference proceedings and technical reports.
Byron House, P.Eng is a Chemical Engineer graduate from the University of New Brunswick with over 25 years of experience in the nuclear industry. Byron has held senior leader positions at Bruce Power in the areas Operations, Maintenance, Project Management, and Training. Most recently he has joined the Bruce Power major reactor component replacement team tasked with the life extension of the nuclear reactors on the Bruce site with the responsibility to shorten the project durations through reactor tooling innovations. Byron has reviewed operational and safety performance at several nuclear power plants around the world as an industry peer including United States, Ukraine, and China with a focus on safety culture and organizational effectiveness.
David A.G. Meston, P.Eng. – President, H&S Consultants Inc. (H&S), Safety Engineer and Management Consultant since 1987. Dave uses a unique risk-based approach to safety management with a focus on “Safety by Design”. Prior to H&S he was an Electrical Design Engineer, Safety Engineer and Senior Manager with Ontario Hydro. He has over 40 years of experience in management and engineering.
Recent work has included design risk analysis for hydrogen, natural gas and other alternative energy projects including both semi-quantitative and quantitative methods for utility clients and equipment manufacturers. Additionally, he produces safety and emergency management system documentation for operational support to the above design projects (e.g. ISO 45001).
Dave is also a part time Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) since 1996 teaching Business and Occupational Health and Safety. He has been a volunteer with Minerva Canada since 1993.
