Mining, forestry, and pulp and paper health and safety associations amalgamated in 2010
This year, Workplace Safety North (WSN) celebrates its 10th anniversary since it was formed in 2010 through the amalgamation of three Ontario health and safety associations: (1) Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association, (2) Ontario Forestry Safe Workplace Association, and (3) Pulp and Paper Health and Safety Association.
“Even though WSN celebrates 10 years with its new name, our expertise dates back to the early 1900s when the original legacy associations were formed,” says Paul Andre, WSN President and CEO. “The 100-plus years of sector expertise for mining, forestry, and pulp and paper health and safety still forms the foundation of WSN services to Ontario employers.
“WSN is the only one of Ontario’s four health and safety associations that is headquartered in the north,” says Andre, “so we strive to serve northern Ontario businesses and communities as well.”
With more than 50 WSN health and safety specialists and mine rescue officers across the province, WSN serves about 1,000 member firms, representing more than 105,000 employees.
Milestones
2010
- Workplace Safety North formed from mining, forestry, and pulp and paper associations
- Candys Ballanger-Michaud appointed first President and Chief Executive Officer
- WSN Mission: Every worker, home safe and healthy
2011
- First issue of Every Worker health and safety newsletter
2012
- New client-focused website
- Introduction of Workplace Excellence Awards
2013
- WSN and Ontario Mine Rescue host the International Mines Rescue Body conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario – for the first time ever in Canada
2014
- New Ontario workplace health and safety strategy announced
- New mandatory health and safety awareness training launched in Ontario
2015
- WSN celebrates 100 years of health and safety in Ontario forestry and pulp and paper sectors
- WSN approved provider of new mandatory Working at Heights Safety Training
2016
- WSN and Ontario Mine Rescue host International Mines Rescue Competition in Sudbury, Ontario – for the first time ever in Canada
- WSN approved provider of new Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification training mandatory for all Ontario workplaces with 20 or more employees
- WSN wins Canada Award for Excellence - awarded silver in Healthy Workplace category
2017
- Sudbury office moves to larger training facility and new headquarters for Ontario Mine Rescue
- French-language JHSC Certification training offered
- New safety culture tool introduced
2018
- Feed Your Brain lunch and learn awareness sessions launched
- Health and Safety Representative Basic Training introduced
- Inaugural annual Timmins Health and Safety Conference
- Safe Workplace Ontario certification program turns 20
- Paul Andre appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Workplace Safety North
2019
- Ontario Mine Rescue celebrates 90th anniversary
- New workplace mental health workshops
- WSN approved provider of new WSIB Health and Safety Excellence program
- Inaugural annual Thunder Bay Health and Safety Conference
- Live online training introduced for OHS Act and Regulations course for mining and industrial sectors
- Workplace Safety North wins Canada Award for Excellence – awarded gold in Healthy Workplace category
- New Ontario safety training for people accessing forest roads
2020
- WSN celebrates its 10th anniversary since its formation from the amalgamation of legacy associations: Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association, Ontario Forestry Safe Workplace Association, and Pulp and Paper Health and Safety Association
- Continuing Education Units offered in partnership with Ontario Waste Water Certification Office (OWWCO)