Speaker biographies
Abha McDonell
Abha has an extensive background as a nurse advisor. She is certified in occupational health nursing and has worked at WorkSafeBC for many years. Abha believes that by establishing a working relationship with both the injured workers and the employers, the injury management process will have a positive outcome for the worker. Abha liaises with health care professionals to facilitate treatment so that injured workers can return safely to work. She is also involved with serious injury claims — performing hospital visits to meet workers, and following their rehabilitation through until they return to work.
Andrew Kidd, Occupational Safety Officer WorkSafeBC
Andrew is a journeyman carpenter and has worked in the building trades since moving to Canada at the age of 16. He has both hands on and management experience with residential and commercial building projects. Andrew joined the WorkSafeBC residential construction team in June, 2007.
Brenda Knight, TCP Master Trainer
Brenda Knight has been employed in the construction industry since the 1970s. Her background includes first aid and safety officer assignments in both building and road construction. The majority of her years of experience, however, have involved working as a traffic control person (TCP).
In the 90s, Brenda began training TCPs to prepare them for various tasks in the road construction industry.
She is now employed by Winvan Paving Ltd. as a traffic control supervisor; continues as a TCP instructor; and has been designated as a Master Trainer by the BCCSA.
Bruce Jackson, Canadian Society of Safety Engineering
Bruce Jackson is the Senior Manager of Prevention Quality for WorkSafeBC, and has worked in health and safety for more than 18 years. He is a graduate of the B.C. Institute of Technology in both health and safety, and operations management, has a provincial instructor diploma, and also holds the CRSP designation. Bruce is currently completing a diploma in adult education, and he’s pursuing master’s degrees in both occupational health and safety, and human factors and safety management systems. Bruce is the Director of Professional Development for the CSSE’s B.C. lower mainland chapter, where he has been active in teaching courses in incident investigations for 10 years.
Cal Beale, Hazmasters
Cal Beale is a former high school teacher with a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Education. His safety and rescue background stems primarily from the oil and gas industry where confined spaces abound. Cal has worked as a safety attendant, a rescue specialist, and safety lead hand. Since 1996, Calvin has been creating and instructing fall protection, confined space, and rescue courses in B.C. and Alberta. Calvin has taught a variety of safety-related courses including H2S Alive, WHMIS, and TDG.
Cori Maedel, The Jouta Performance Group
Cori has over 25 years of human resources experience, backed by solid credentials and a lot of practical know-how. She has worked directly with over 50 clients across many industries including aviation, construction, gaming, manufacturing, not-for-profit, and hospitality. She is also a contributor to the Globe and Mail, Business in Vancouver, and the HR Reporter, and has appeared on “Breakfast Television”. She currently runs The Jouta Performance Group, offering practical and realistic HR tools that help businesses become more effective and productive, and helps develop the infrastructure needed to attract and retain quality employees.
Darlene Dyson, BC One Call
Darlene Dyson has been with BC One Call since its inception in 1994. Starting as a customer service agent and advancing to her current position of Operations Manager has given her the unique opportunity to gain an excellent understanding of the one-call industry. Darlene has been involved in the start-up and agent training in a number of one-call systems throughout Canada and the US. She has also been instrumental in the development of the TelDig one-call software that is currently being utilized by many one-call clients throughout North America. Darlene is actively involved in the BC Common Ground Alliance organization where she represents BC One Call on the alliance board and participates in the province wide Dig Safe BC! workshops as well as travelling throughout the province of BC to share the important message of “Call Before You Dig”. With an extensive career in the communications and cable industry in the fields of safety and damage prevention, it is Darlene’s goal to educate the construction community on the importance of due diligence.
Dave Baspaly, BC Common Ground Alliance
Dave Baspaly is a Certified Management Consultant and holds a master's degree from Royal Roads University specializing in dispute resolution. He obtained an undergraduate degree in political science from Simon Fraser University and is currently completing his doctorate in business administration at the International School of Management. In 2008, Dave became the Executive Director of the BC Common Ground Alliance. The BC Common Ground Alliance is a non-profit organization established to lead development of consistent practices and coordination of activities to ensure the highest possible standards of public safety, worker safety and damage prevention in connection with underground infrastructure. Under Dave’s stewardship, the Common Ground has become a unique consensus-driven organization with a direct conduit to regulatory innovation. It is open to any individual or organization with an interest in safety and underground infrastructure. The BC Common Ground Alliance considers that all involved with underground infrastructure or disturbance are responsible and accountable for the safety of their own procedures. It acknowledges, however, that it is in everyone’s best interest to work together to develop safe and consistent practices. Dave has a passion for success and innovation; his unbridled optimism has often been credited for his extensive achievements. In fact, his "nothing less than success" attitude provides the drive and determination that helps the Alliance meet and overcome any challenge.
David Rossi, Common Sense Solutions
David Rossi has been counseling and mentoring youth for 17 years. Teaching common sense and critical thinking, he couples his award-winning approach to training, with workshops to develop essential skills. David is an engaging speaker who uses humour and stories to challenge and motivate audiences. He is passionate about helping youth become effective. Through this company, Common Sense Solutions, David delivers training, workshops and programs locally and internationally, assisting managers, staff, parents, teachers and businesses. He is currently producing a documentary about teaching critical thinking to youth.
Derek Malone, Hazmasters
Information to come.
Fraser Cocks, Executive Director, BC Association for Crane Safety (BCACS)
Fraser Cocks is the Executive Director of the BC Association for Crane Safety. Fraser has been in this role since the association was created in November 2005. Because of his hands-on history with the association, Fraser has experienced the development of health and safety within the crane hoisting industry every step of the way.
Geoff Clark, Senior Occupational Hygienist, WorkSafeBC
Geoff Clark is the Senior Occupational Hygienist at WorkSafeBC. He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), a Registered Occupational Hygienist (ROH), and he holds a master’s degree in Biology from the University of British Columbia. Geoff has conducted thousands of assessments in many areas of occupational hygiene, including: asbestos and silica exposure, confined spaces, mould and bacterial contamination, and indoor air quality. He also spent six years acting as an expert witness in mould and asbestos litigation cases in the U.S. His main areas of interest at the present time are reducing worker exposure to mould, lead, and silica and asbestos dust.
George Hammel, The Crosby Group
George has been employed by Crosby Canada for the last 15 years as a district manager and product trainer travelling B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Prior to joining Crosby, George was employed by Columbus McKinnon, and Dominion Chain. George has approximately 30 years experience in the rigging hardware industry.
Jaret Swanson, Occupational Safety Officer, WorkSafeBC
Jaret has had the opportunity to work in several trade disciplines, including carpentry. He received his Red Seal endorsement in 1995. Upon recognizing the importance of safety in the workplace, Jaret pursued and attained a certificate in occupational health and safety through BCIT. In 2007 he accepted a position in the newly formed WorkSafeBC residential construction team.
Jeff Lyth, Regional Safety Coordinator, BCCSA
Jeff is a BC Construction Safety Alliance Regional Safety Coordinator and a senior member of the ITC Construction Group team. With 19 of years of experience in construction safety, he brings to Bridging the Gap great technical expertise and leadership. His role as Director of Corporate Health and Safety at ITC involves overseeing the safety management system and construction safety program implementation for multiple projects, in multiple jurisdictions, on an ongoing basis.
Jeff is also a facilitator of ITC’s Leadership Program, which focuses on interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships and how they affect the workplace. This has created an integral connection to the practice of safety because success ultimately stems from respect for every individual’s own life experience and goals.
Jim Hopkins, British Columbia Rapid Transit Company (SkyTrain)
Jim Hopkins has been involved in safety for the past 25 years, and is currently the Manager of Safety, Security, and Environment for SkyTrain. Jim has a Bachelor of General Studies with a focus on public safety leadership from Simon Fraser University, holds a certificate in OH&H from B.C.I.T., and is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional and Certified Health and Safety Consultant. Jim is currently a member of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers, and is a member of the executive holding the office of Secretary. He also chairs the Training Practice Group, and the Awards Program. Jim is the Treasurer of the NAOSH Week B.C. Steering Committee, a member of the ASTTBC’s CSO certification panel, and he sits on the Bridging the Gap Construction Safety Conference organizing committee.
Jim Short, Director of Health, Safety and Environment, On Side Restoration
Jim is an Operations Manager and the Director of Health, Safety and Environment for On Side Restoration. Jim has been involved in the restoration industry for the last eight years and worked in the construction industry before coming to On Side. He has gained many industry certifications over the years through organizations such as the International Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification, Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society, Canadian Standards Association as well as other safety and specialized certifications. Jim also participates in programs with the American Industrial Hygiene Association, and works with technical committees on topics such as asbestos, marijuana grow-operations, and clandestine drug lab remediation. Jim plays an active role in his community as a volunteer for the United Way and Scouts Canada. Jim’s focus is to continue to improve on worker safety in the restoration industry.
John Preston, Executive Director, B.C. Association of Restoration Contractors (BCARC)
John is a former insurance industry executive with a strong background in injury and property damage claims management. His past community service work includes working with the Big Brothers day boating program, and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.
Laura Hardacre
Laura has worked and taught in the health and safety profession since 1985, developing injury management programs for a variety of employers. She believes that the workplace can be a valuable asset in the success of getting injured workers back to their pre-injury job. Laura has worked in the construction industry since 2004 and has a solid understanding of their injury management challenges.
Leah-Ann Maybee
Leah-Ann Maybee is a Health and Safety Advisor with 10 years of construction related-experience. Leah-Ann has a diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from BCIT. She has served on technical advisory committees and has held Board of Director positions with several industry associations.
Mike Sully, President, B.C. Association of Restoration Contractors (BCARC); and Executive VP of On Side Restoration
Mike has been in the restoration industry for the past eight years in leading roles in both Operations and Sales & Marketing. Mike has qualified as a CHRP (Certified Human Resource Professional). Prior to working with On Side, he was an executive with Canada’s largest heavy-equipment manufacturer, Champion Road Machinery. In his role at Champion, Mike held VP positions in Engineering, Manufacturing, and Human Resources. Throughout his working life Mike has always been an active volunteer. Currently Mike is Co-Chairman of WICC, Co-Founder and current President of BCARC, MLG of the Honourable Order of the Blue Goose International, and he sits on the Membership Committee of the Vancouver Golf Club. Mike is committed to people and specifically committed to Worker Safety.
Norm Ralph, British Columbia Rapid Transit Company (SkyTrain)
Norm Ralph started his safety career in the early 1980s at Western Canada Steel. When the plant closed and moved to Alberta, he found new employment at CAPTIN, a wheel manufacturing division of Toyota. Norm worked in Quality Control and Safety for over 10 years before moving onto his next challenge as a Safety Consultant with the Vancouver Health Authority. Recognizing his desire to work in a more hands-on approach with workers, Norm jumped at an opportunity to move to his current position as Senior Safety Analyst with SkyTrain.
Randy Callaghan, Field Personnel Advisor, PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
Randy is a Red Seal certified carpenter, with over 30 years in the Industrial Commercial Institutional (ICI) sector. After 20 years as a carpenter on large projects like Library Square, EA Sports Campus, and the original SkyTrain line, as well as many residential and industrial developments, Randy is now recruiting and mentoring carpenters and apprentices, as well as other skilled trades, for PCL in B.C. Randy is involved with secondary school districts as an industry rep encouraging students to explore the construction trades as a viable career choice; is chair of the education committee of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA); and is a Director of CITO, the Construction Industry Training Organization. Randy has been recognized for his efforts by being the recipient of the Education Leadership Award from the VRCA, and the Top in Trades through the Industry Training Authority. In 2009 Randy achieved his Canadian Human Resources Professional credential.
Ron Herrington, Gas Safety Officer, BC Safety Authority
Ron started his career in the gas industry in Victoria in 1978 working for Northwest Propane, which later became a branch of Superior Propane. In 1988, he left Superior Propane and worked for a Victoria gas contractor for several years until becoming an independent gas contractor. He became a gas inspector with the B.C. Government in November 1995, and commenced his inspecting career in Dawson Creek, serving the Peace Region. In 1997, he transferred to Kamloops and worked there until moving to Vancouver in 2000. While working in Vancouver, his inspection area included Vancouver and Whistler, and he was offered the licensing analyst position for the gas program which he held for five and a half years. He is currently working as a gas safety officer in Surrey.
Rupel Amershi
Rupel has an extensive background as a nurse advisor. She is certified in occupational health nursing and has worked at WorkSafeBC for many years. Rupel Awas one of the pioneers in developing the Injury Management Roadmap and the Construction Nurse Line. She consulted with the construction industry to identify their needs then developed these two resources. She continues to promote these resources by providing injury management information and new initiatives to the construction industry.
Sam Hamze, Senior Elevating Device Safety Officer
Sam Hamze, a Senior Safety Officer for Elevating Devices, has been with the BC Safety Authority since 2006. He holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Karkov, Ukraine. Sam also became a QEI (Qualified Elevators Inspector) by NAESA International (National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities) in 2004.
Previously, he worked for Otis Lebanon as a new installations supervisor for almost five years, and then served as new installation manager for four years for Sabiem Elevators (which eventually became Kone Elevators). Sam became an elevators consultant before joining the BC Safety Authority
Ted Gilbert, Electrical Safety Officer, BC Safety Authority
Ted Gilbert has been in the electrical industry for over 35 years. Completing an electrical apprenticeship in Victoria, he moved on to operate a successful electrical contracting business and teach classes for Camosun College on homeowner wiring, and the Canadian Electrical Code. In 1986, Ted joined the Provincial Electrical Safety Branch, which was destined to become the BC Safety Authority, and has served as an Electrical Safety Officer, Manager, and Senior Safety Officer in Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kelowna, and Victoria.
Terry Duncan, Consultant
Terry is an independent safety generalist with 36 years of experience in occupational safety. Terry’s experience includes being a safety coordinator for Dominion Bridge of Western Canada, and a safety coordinator/industrial engineer for Freightliner Canada. Terry was directly involved in the original development of the TSC/CSO Program with the City of Vancouver, and in the development of the TSC/CSO training program which he has instructed since its inception in 1989. He’s worked in a variety of areas which include construction, manufacturing, forestry, pulp and paper, and Municipal and Provincial Government. In 1998 Terry was voted Senior Safety Professional of the Year by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering.
Vernita Hsu
Vernita Hsu is the Injury Management Coordinator at the BC Construction Safety Alliance where she is responsible for the delivery of the Alliance’s comprehensive injury management services. With four years’ experience in real-life construction claims management/return-to-work for a large general contractor, Vernita possesses a firm understanding of the subtleties of injury management as it pertains to the construction industry.