Three awards handed out to exceptional safety leaders
On Tuesday, July 16th, the Health and Safety Professionals Canada (HSPC) hosted a remarkable gala event in Edmonton as part of their Professional Development Conference. The evening was memorable not only for its elegant steampunk theme but also for celebrating the exceptional contributions of three distinguished professionals in the field of workplace health and safety.
The gala, with its whimsical steampunk aesthetic, transported attendees to a world of Victorian-inspired machinery and futuristic imagination. The visionary behind this enchanting theme was Deirdre O'Reilly, chair of the conference planning committee. "I love steampunk; it’s just near and dear to my heart," O'Reilly shared. "We're celebrating our 75th anniversary, looking at where we've come from and moving toward the future. I thought, what a great way to link moving through time and celebrating the anniversary with a theme that embodies time travel and innovation."
Honoring the best in health and safety
The evening spotlighted three exemplary individuals who have made significant contributions to health and safety in Canada and O’Reilly was one of them.
(Deirdre O’Reilly accepting the Founding Members Award in Edmonton on Tuesday July 16, 2024)
She received the Founding Members Award and was recognized for her long-term dedication and volunteer work. "It’s very humbling,” said O’Reilly, reflecting on her achievement. “I’ve been a volunteer from 2001 right up until today, and it means a great deal to me to receive this award. Our organization is growing, and it's exciting to see young people coming into safety as a first career."
(Shannon Bolger accepting the President’s Award in Edmonton on Tuesday July 16, 2024)
Shannon Bolger, president of Benchmark Safety, was honored with the President’s Award. Bolger, who has been in the safety industry for 23 years, was visibly moved by the recognition. "It feels amazing; it’s an incredible honour. I didn’t expect it because there are so many amazing professionals out there," she said. "This award means a lot to me and gives me the push to continue inspiring the next generation of safety professionals."
(Melissa Gould accepting the Volunteer Award in Edmonton on Tuesday July 16, 2024)
Melissa Gould, director of health and safety for Linamar Corporation, received the Volunteer Award for her extensive service and dedication to the profession. "I'm incredibly honored and grateful to receive this award. Throughout my career, I've always volunteered with the local health and safety association and supported small businesses in their health and safety programs," Gould explained. "It's important to find a way to give back to the community and live your life in service to others."
Looking forward
The gala was not just a celebration of past achievements but also a beacon for the future of the health and safety profession. As O'Reilly noted, the event highlighted the organization’s evolution and its commitment to welcoming new talent. "For me, it's always been about the people. Seeing new faces and young professionals at our conference is a testament to our growth and the bright future of our profession," she remarked.
The steampunk-themed gala and the recognition of these outstanding professionals underscore HSPC's dedication to innovation and excellence in workplace safety. With many memories made and the conference in the rear-view mirror, safety professionals can look forward to smaller regional conferences in 2025. The next big HSPC conference is being planned for 2026 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
