Four trends shaping the profession and necessary for success in the new year
As Adelia Marchese, the CSEA 2024 Safety Leader of the Year, gears up for 2025, she is laser-focused on shaping the future of workplace health and safety. Known for her practical yet innovative approach as the head of health, safety & environment at Wolseley Canada, Marchese highlights four pivotal areas—Shared Responsibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Technology, and Legal Changes—that she believes are critical for safety professionals to prioritize.
1. Shared responsibility: Building a safety-first culture
Marchese believes the importance of fostering a culture where every employee actively participates in safety initiatives will become more pronounced in 2025. “As workplaces grow more dynamic, engaging employees at all levels in safety efforts is essential,” she states. This requires tailoring safety communication to resonate across generational divides, from social media campaigns for younger workers to face-to-face sessions for older employees.
However, Marchese cautions against delegating safety responsibilities solely to frontline workers. “The only way to maintain a positive safety culture is to ensure every level of leadership is fully engaged,” she says. “We need to make accountability and ownership a core value for all.”
2. Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Making safety accessible for all
DEI remains a cornerstone of Marchese’s approach to safety. She calls for safety programs that reflect the diverse realities of modern workplaces, which will continue to evolve in the new year. “Inclusive communication is key, especially for multilingual or culturally diverse teams,” she notes. This includes providing culturally relevant training scenarios and ensuring that personal protective equipment (PPE) accommodates religious or cultural requirements.
Marchese also underscores the need for equitable representation in safety leadership. “Seeing individuals from various backgrounds in decision-making positions sends a strong message about inclusion,” she explains. She points to regulatory changes and initiatives from organizations like the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) that are supporting more inclusive safety practices, such as addressing mental health and climate-related challenges in the workplace.
3. Technology: Harnessing AI and predictive tools for proactive safety
In an era of technological advancements, Marchese sees immense potential in AI-driven solutions. “We’re shifting towards using predictive analytics and AI tools to take a proactive approach to risk management,” she says. For example, AI-integrated CCTV systems can analyze workplace behaviours, identifying risks like unsafe lifting or high-traffic areas prone to accidents.
She also highlights tools that assist with incident investigation. “There are predictive analytics systems that guide managers through root cause analyses, ensuring no detail is overlooked,” she explains. These tools not only streamline safety processes but also enhance the accuracy of incident reporting and prevention strategies.
4. Legal changes: Navigating new regulations
Marchese warns that staying ahead of legal requirements is non-negotiable in 2025. Key changes include updates to the Hazardous Products Regulations, aligned with global harmonization standards (GHS). “Organizations need to update safety data sheets and labels for new chemical classifications by December 2025,” she advises.
Ontario’s Working for Workers Act 5 also comes into focus, broadening workplace harassment definitions to include virtual settings. “This allows us to leverage virtual platforms while ensuring they are monitored for harassment risks,” Marchese notes. The legislation also facilitates virtual participation in health and safety committees, offering new opportunities to engage remote workers.
Final word ahead of 2025
Marchese’s message to safety leaders is clear: adaptability and inclusivity are vital as workplaces continue to evolve. “If we aren’t actively trying to include diversity and leverage new tools, we risk falling behind,” she concludes. “Safety must remain a priority across all levels, supported by technology and guided by the latest regulations.”
As 2025 approaches, Marchese’s insights provide a roadmap for safety professionals aiming to enhance their impact. By embracing shared responsibility, fostering DEI, leveraging technology, and staying compliant with legal changes, leaders can ensure safer and more inclusive workplaces in the new year, and beyond.
