Keynote features Tina Varughese on inclusive leadership as conference focuses on diversity and equity
Workplace Safety North (WSN) has revealed the roster of speakers for the upcoming 26th annual Mining Health and Safety Conference, scheduled from April 16 to 18 in Sudbury. Themed "Inclusive mines, a safer future," the conference highlights the crucial role of diversity and equity in fostering safer work environments within the mining industry.
Expected to draw over 300 delegates, the event serves as a platform for industry professionals to exchange knowledge, engage in learning sessions, and foster valuable networking opportunities. The diverse array of speakers will tackle topics spanning inclusive leadership, multi-generational workplaces, diversity, technology, and strategies for enhancing safety culture.
"Mining is a vital and technically demanding industry," says Mike Parent, acting WSN president and CEO. He says WSN is committed to providing specialized training and services across Ontario, including areas such as mine ventilation, ground control, electrical-mechanical safety, rescue operations, and hazard assessments.
Parent underscores the conference's role in sharing expertise to enhance safety across all mining operations, noting Sudbury and northern Ontario's status as hubs of mining history and knowledge. He mentioned the event's global reach through livestreaming, catering to professionals unable to attend in person.
(Tina Varughese, Cross-cultural communication and diversity expert)
Commencing with an opening reception on Tuesday evening, the conference kicks off on Wednesday, April 17, featuring keynote speaker Tina Varughese discussing inclusive leadership. An industry panel will delve into the latest safety, diversity, and technology advancements. Delegates will also have the opportunity to explore over 25 vendors at the Information Exchange Trade Show during the two-day event.
Technical sessions on the latest health and safety research and innovations will take place on Thursday, April 18, including a panel focusing on "Women in Mining" and a retrospective on mining risk evolution over the past decade. The conference culminates with an awards luncheon honoring achievements in mining health and safety, followed by keynote speaker Jill Heinerth's closing remarks.
Acknowledging the indispensable contributions of WSN's dedicated staff and sponsors like Sofvie, Redpath, and WSIB, Parent highlighted additional highlights of the conference, including an industry panel addressing the intersection of health and safety, diversity, and technology. The event will be hosted by Alicia Woods, founder and CEO of Covergalls Workwear.
For the sixth consecutive year, Workplace Safety North will provide free livestream access to keynote speakers on Wednesday, April 17, and the afternoon of Thursday, April 18.
