Virtual Round Table 2020 a HUGE success

The Executive Health and Safety Council had a phenomenal first year, capped off by the annual 2020 Round Table.  This year over 95 registrants from across the province attended “virtually”, to share and learn from each others’ experiences.  By all accounts this event was very well received, both by members and their guests.

The 2020 Panel Discussion was an excellent example of how leaders from different regions and industries faced similar health and safety issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The panel members shared their experiences and thoughts on being leaders during these trying times.  As a group, the panel members showed what it means to be an active participant of the Executive Health and Safety Council.  A special shout-out and thank you to panel members Brian Wall, Dann Konkin and Don Bayda.

This years’ Table Discussions were opportunities for members and guests to dig deeper into issues that have always been of concern to leaders.  Recover at Work programs, Onboarding of New and Young Workers and The Dangers of Rushing are all issues that have been explored by smaller groups but have in impact to every business.  There were many rich and thoughtful discussions that took place in all of the groups and many attendees felt they could have talked longer.  Thank you to table hosts Jaime, Nick and Perry.

The keynote address by Mark Collins was inspiring.  The story of how BC Ferries used a tragedy to create change in safety culture really struck home for many, as was reinforced by the comments people left as they exited the room.  A similarity of last years speech by Greg Stewart was when Mark said “and my cell phone was ringing… then my home phone, which never rings, began to ring…”  This was the call that no one wants to receive, but as leaders it is a call that we all must take.

The “Virtual Networking” was an excellent way for people to relax a bit, and hear from our hosts Ria Kitsch and Sandra Oldfield not only about the wine that was being tasted, but also about some of the programs that Kitsch Wineries have implemented.  It was important to hear from another industry leader that COVID was also having an effect on their operations, and how they were managing.  It was also wonderful to learn how Kitsch ties in personal goals to their performance reviews, and how this has affected staff morale.

A final thank-you to our sponsors, without their help this event would not have been as successful.

We are looking forward to what 2021 will bring us and to working closely with all of you in the new year.