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The IEC Hosts its Annual Health & Safety Forum

May 9, 2023/By: Bluewater Association for Safety, Environment, and Sustainability

The Industrial Education Corporation held its annual Health & Safety conference on February 22, 2023, bringing together nearly 150 local safety professionals to discuss current health and safety matters workers in the region are facing. 

The morning kicked off with a panel discussion lead by BASES General Manager, Jason Vaillant and panelists Kimberly Haas, Imperial Chemical Vice-President and Sarnia Complex Plant Manager, Ross Tius, Plumbers, Pipefitters & Welders Local 663 Business Manager, and Charlie Webb, Anderson-Webb Ltd. President & CEO. The group discussed how Sarnia-Lambton sets itself apart from other industrial communities the past 27-years through the tripartite approach of local operating facilities, trades and contracting companies collaborating to develop and implement a superior set of safety standards for the region. 

Closing the 3-hour forum was keynote speaker, Mark Barnes, Pharmacist and Owner of Respect RX Pharmacy, based out of Ottawa, ON. Barnes gave a powerful talk on the growing opioid crisis currently affecting Canadians, the importance of having access to Naloxone, and the need to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance misuse to provide respectful care for those who may be struggling. Barnes provided training to the group on recognizing the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and the proper use of the potentially lifesaving Naloxone nasal spray to help save a life. Following the training, attendees were provided Naloxone kits courtesy of Respect RX Pharmacy. 

Barnes was presented with a $1,000 cheque from the IEC to Pathways to Recovery, a not-for-profit organization committed to providing respectful, patient-centered care to those struggling with substance abuse. BASES and the IEC would like to thank Mark Barnes for his empowering presentation and Pathways to Recovery for sponsoring Barnes’ visit to the region. 

Click below to learn more about the important work that Respect RX Pharmacy and Pathways to Recovery are doing to break down stigmas and provide education and support to communities on this national crisis.  

Respect RX Pharmacy – respectrx.ca

Pathways to Recovery – pathwaystorecovery.ca