Speakers announced for Mining Health and Safety Conference
By Workplace Safety North
News Mining WeekPlus, technical sessions and trade show April 30 to May 1
Keynote speaker Derek Daly, world class Formula One and Indy 500 Driver. Photo courtesy of Workplace Safety North. Workplace Safety North (WSN) has announced the lineup of speakers for the 27th annual Mining Health and Safety Conference, set to take place from April 30 to May 1 at Science North in Sudbury, Ont. The conference, themed, “The Foundation of Mining Safety,” focuses on the essentials of health and safety, while emphasizing the importance of legal requirements, risk management, and workplace culture, ensuring safe and healthy work environments.
“The Mining Health and Safety Conference serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect, exchange insights, and reinforce the core principles of mining safety,” says WSN’s president and CEO, Mike Parent. “By prioritizing compliance, risk management, and a culture of safety, we are strengthening Ontario’s mining sector, ensuring it is recognized globally as the safest in the world.”
More than 250 delegates are expected to convene for this important industry event, which serves as a platform for learning, knowledge sharing, and networking among industry professionals. A wide array of speakers will cover topics ranging from high-risk hazard management, improving physical and psychological health and safety in the workplace, industry case studies, research and innovation, and emergency response.
The conference begins on April 30, with a welcome and State of the Industry from WSN’s CEO, Mike Parent, and Cementation’s vice-president of health, safety and environment, Steve Wrixon.
Following the welcome, keynote speaker Derek Daly will share his experience surviving the hardest crash impact a driver has ever lived through and how his near-death experience has led to an unprecedented safety initiative in racing that continues today.
A three-part mining mock trial will be held throughout the day on April 30. The mock trial is being led by the Toronto office of Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark, Global HR Lawyers, and will include Senior Partner, Jeremy Warning, and Partner, John Illingworth.
Over two days, delegates will also be able to visit more than 30 vendors at the Information Exchange Trade Show located at Science North’s CTV Atrium, Sun Walk, and SN Lobby.
“We look forward to reconnecting with old colleagues and forging new relationships, exchanging best practices, and collaborating on solutions to tackle the sector’s most pressing safety challenges,” Parent says.
On May 1, technical sessions on the latest health and safety research and innovations are being held in Science North’s Vale Cavern. Covering numerous topics, delegates will learn about the new Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) silica standard, safety culture, leadership, psychological health and safety, advancements in collision avoidance technologies for underground mining safety, occupational hand-transmitted vibration exposure, fatigue risk management, and emergency response to battery fires.
Sam Barbuto, A WSN Health and Safety Specialist, will host an awards presentation recognizing achievements in mining health and safety.
Keynote speaker – Derek Daly, world class Formula One and Indy 500 Driver
Daly was the first driver from the Republic of Ireland to compete in Formula One and was ranked 10th in the world in 1980. He made six starts in the Indianapolis 500 before winning the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, twice, in 1990 and ‘91.
In 1984, Derek was almost killed when he suffered one of the hardest crash impacts a driver had ever survived at the Michigan International Speedway. After fourteen surgeries and three years in therapy, he returned to full-time racing.
When he retired from the cockpit, Derek started a 24-year television broadcasting career with ESPN, NBC, CBS, and Fox Sports. USA Today called him; “the best new face on sports television”. IndyCar Racing magazine voted him “the most popular motor sports television announcer.” He was nominated by ESPN for an Ace Award and was inducted into the 2000 Motorsports Ireland Hall of Fame. In 2010, he was inducted into the Sebring Hall of Fame.
About Workplace Safety North
An independent not-for-profit, Workplace Safety North (WSN) is one of four sector-based health and safety associations in Ontario. Headquartered in northern Ontario, WSN administers the Ontario mine rescue program and provides province-wide Ministry-approved workplace health and safety training and services for the mining and forest products industries. With health and safety specialists and mine rescue officers located across the province, WSN and its legacy organizations have been helping make Ontario workplaces safer for more than 100 years. A leading provider of health and safety training and consulting, businesses call upon WSN for expert advice and information. For more information, visit workplacesafetynorth.ca.
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