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Safety starts with a story

Threads of Life volunteer speakers share their journeys from tragedy to advocacy. Their stories offer a unique perspective that can transform how your team approaches safety.

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70+ speakers ready to share their OHS story

Our speaker volunteers from across Canada are personally affected by a life-altering workplace injury, fatality, or occupational disease. They are trained to tell their stories in ways that engage, educate, and transform. See a few examples and request our recommendations for your event.

David Collins

David and a co-worker, both 16, were finishing their shift at a P.E.I. resort and used the staff golf cart to deliver garbage to the dumpster. Unsupervised, they went for a joy-ride. David fell out and was struck, breaking his back. David was told he would probably never walk again, but he persevered. Today, despite chronic pain and reduced mobility, David works full-time and volunteers in the community.

Alex Tuff

Alex’s brother Kris was a welder working in Labrador. He was inside a diesel tank on a truck, removing a baffle, when there was an explosion and he was killed. Alex and Kris were best buddies, so Alex talks about the devastating impact of his big brother’s death. His message focuses on the importance of asking questions when you’re not sure of a task.

Donna Van Bruggen

Donna’s son David was refueling a forklift on his lunch break when it suddenly lurched forward. An upright strut struck him across the chest, pinning him to the edge of an open shed door. David was killed instantly, but wasn’t found by his co-workers for half an hour. Her presentation emphasizes how vital it is to remain aware of surroundings and alert to hazards.

Behind every statistic is a story.

Book a speaker like Elisa for your in-person or virtual health and safety event.

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How the program works

The right speaker

Contact us with the date and theme for your event and we will work with you to find a speaker who can provide the ideal story and a powerful message for your audience. We can usually suggest a speaker

The arrangements

Our staff will coordinate everything with you – travel arrangements, audio-visual – everything.

The costs

Threads of Life speakers are volunteers who dedicate their time on the understanding that your organization will make a contribution to Threads of Life. Our staff are available to discuss.

Client Feedback

Have you heard one of our speakers recently? We’d love your feedback! Take 5 minutes to complete our audience survey.

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Attention BCRSPs!

Are you a Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) Opens in new tab certificant? If you’ve recently heard one of our volunteer speakers share their story, use the form linked below to request the half point toward your next BCRSP re-certification.

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A man stands at a podium. He is wearing a green Threads of Life t-shirt.