Caring for Communities Health and Safety Conference: Agenda

Wednesday, April 09, 2025

Check-In & Breakfast
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | FOYER

Option 1
Mental Health First Aid
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | PINE
The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges or crises. Similar to physical first aid, MHFA focuses on providing immediate support and guiding individuals toward professional help when needed.

Participants in this training will learn how to approach someone in distress, listen non-judgmentally, offer reassurance and information, and encourage appropriate professional and self-help strategies. The course also includes guidance on recognizing and responding to mental health crises.

The MHFA training aims to reduce stigma, increase mental health literacy, and empower participants to provide timely and compassionate support within their communities.
Trainers: Pomaa Arthur, Program Manager (CMHA Northern BC) and Therese Barrozo, Community Engagement and Research Analyst (CSSHSA)

Option 2
Introduction to Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee
9:15 AM – 5:00 PM | SPRUCE
This one-day (8-hour, in-person) course covers the essentials for all new health and safety committee members and serves as an introduction to Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees. The following topics will be covered in the course:

  • The structure of health and safety in British Columbia
  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Health and Safety Rights
  • What is expected of a health and safety committee?
  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Duties and Functions
  • Committee Terms of Reference
  • Committee Evaluations
  • Hazard identification, risk assessment and control
  • Ergonomics, is it an issue?
  • Psychological wellness: why do we need to talk about this?
  • Inspections
  • Investigations

Trainer: Jacqueline Spain NCSO, GsC, Occupational Safety Officer (WorkSafeBC)

Networking Break & Refreshments
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM| FOYER

Lunch
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | FOYER