2026 Speakers
Wendy Bennett, CRSP
Wendy has been a health and safety professional since 1995. As an advocate for positive and safe work environments, Wendy is a member of various provincial, national and international safety boards and committees. Starting with a BA Honours in Psychology and Sociology, Wendy went on to earn her EMBA, Health and Safety Leadership and is a Certified Registered Safety Professional. She has an Advanced Certificate in Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. Having worked for more than 20 years in the Health and Safety field, Wendy brought her knowledge and experience to range of industry which benefits from Wendy’s leadership skills and her experience designing and delivering training and education resources. Her goal is to ensure everyone has the resources they need to create a safe and healthy working environment. Wendy also uses her knowledge and experience in her role as a course tutor with the BCIT Occupational Health and Safety Certificate program, was a professor with UFred, and is a mentor to those building a career in Occupational Health and Safety
Phil Eastwood
Phil Eastwood MA CSP is one of Canada’s premier human resource training facilitators specializing in leadership, team dynamics, respectful workplace behaviour, and workplace violence prevention. Phil spent 35 years as a police officer on both sides of the Atlantic – a career focused on working with people in crisis, where he learned the power that professional and respectful communication can have in people’s lives. His company, Fiore Group Training, is focused on “Creating Incredibly Better and Safer Workplaces.” Phil is a dynamic presenter whose story-telling style educates, entertains, and motivates audiences to improve how they show up in their lives. Popular with audiences large and small, Phil delivers a message that positively impacts life at work and home.
Bruce Jackson, PgCert, DipAEd, PID, CMIOSH, CRSP, CIT
Bruce Jackson has worked in the OH&S field for more than 26 years. He spent 20 years with WorkSafeBC working in a variety of capacities – as a prevention officer, instructor, and in prevention quality assurance. A safety consultant since late 2017 he provides safety training, COR auditing (manufacturing sector), and incident investigation services to industry.
He’s a graduate of BCIT in both OH&S and operations management, holds two qualifications in adult education from Vancouver Community College, and a graduate degree in human factors & safety management systems from the University of South Australia. He is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional, a Chartered Member of IOSH and a Certified Instructional Trainer.
He’s currently a member of the Board of Directors of Health and Safety Professionals Canada (formerly the CSSE), the Chairperson of the Regional Screening Centre for the BC Lower Mainland for the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals, and an OH&S programs assessor for the BCRSP. Bruce has also volunteered on safety certification projects for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals in the US.
Laurie Lowes
Laurie brings a wealth of experience to the class. He has been involved in workplace safety and security for over 40 years. Laurie is past President of the Retail Loss Prevention and Retail Safety Societies, a Criminal Justice Instructor, and a First Aid instructor. In addition, he is the recipient of several awards including the Governor General Lifetime Achievement award, Langara Outstanding Alumni, Order of Saint John Ambulance Priory award , CSSE Special Project and Leaders of Tomorrow Mentor of the Year award.
Simon Miles
Simon brings over 20 years of communications experience, specializing in strategic marketing, branding, and public engagement. He creates clear, effective messaging that connects with diverse audiences across print, digital, and community platforms.
As a safety instructor and first aid attendant, Simon delivers practical workplace training and provides on-site safety coverage. His approach blends technical expertise with engaging instruction to strengthen awareness and reduce risk.With years of service as a firefighter and USAR technician, Simon has hands-on experience in emergency response and rescue operations. He has served in leadership roles, including Safety Officer and Deputy Task Force Leader, ensuring readiness under pressure.
Norm Ralph
Glenn Russell (To be Confirmed), Industry & Program Specialist, Prevention Programs & Service Department, WorkSafeBC
BCIT Diploma Occupational Health and Safety – 2 years, YVR Health and Safety Advisor – Winter Olympic Expansion – 3 years, 2 Billion in industrial construction. Nassau Bahamas, Demolish and Rebuild International and Domestic Terminal – 3 years. WorkSafeBC – Occupational Safety Officer – 10 years. WorkSafeBC – Industry and Program Specialist – 3 years
Tanya Steele
Tanya Steele is a trainer, safety advisor, author, emcee and Podcast Host of Safety Debris. Utilizing her experience in business, construction, mining, tourism, municipal and the film industry, she helps owners, supervisors, JOHSC members and HR leaders simplify safety. “Safety should make sense”. Tanya is known as an expert in Joint Health & Safety Committees. She specializes in educating and helping committees rejuvenate their meetings to become more effective and collaborative. In 2018 she started “What If One Educates Ltd.” to train other leaders on how to train their workers more effectively, with the concept that one person can make a difference in one person’s life and possibly save that life. She’s been interviewed for the Journal of Commerce, Canadian Occupational Safety Magazine, published in the BC/Alberta Construction Magazine and co-author of the book “Trail Blazers”. Over the years she has held several board positions such as Regional VP of the CSSE BC & Yukon, President of Health Safety & Week (NAOSH), and is currently the President for the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPSBC).
