Health and Safety Workshop

 

Section 21 Committee Update & Roundtable Session

The Ontario Fire Service Section 21 Committee’s mandate is to provide guidance to the Minister of Labour and the Ontario Fire Service to improve safety and reduce firefighter injuries and fatalities. The committee analyzes all health & safety trends with the goal of providing guidance to the Ontario Fire Service to prevent firefighter injuries and fatalities.

This work includes, but is not limited to, efforts to prevent firefighter cancers, prevent post-traumatic stress disorder, ensure traffic safety & control measures, prevent against the spread of infectious diseases and more.

This session will provide an update on recent committee activities, discuss new and newly revised guidance notes, review fire service health and safety information and more; followed by a roundtable session where committee members will discuss the work of the committee and answer any questions that attendees may have.

Presenters: 

Fire Chief Harry Baranik, Bayham Fire & Emergency Services

 

Fire Chief Aaron Burridge, Ajax Fire & Emergency Services

Fire Chief Burridge is responsible for Ajax Fire and Emergency Services, working closely with the Deputy Chiefs.

Fire Chief Burridge started as a volunteer firefighter with the Town of Ajax in May 2000 and was hired as a full-time firefighter in January 2001. He progressed through the ranks to a Qualified Captain, Training Officer, Chief Training Officer, Deputy Fire Chief in October 2016, Interim Fire Chief in 2022 and  was named the Fire Chief in June 2023.  Fire Chief Burridge serves as a member of the OAFC Health and Safety Committee and is an OAFC representative on the Ministry of Labour Section 21 Committee.

Fire Chief Burridge is a graduate of the Ontario Fire College and Toronto Metropolitan University and has throughout the course of his career acquired significant education from a variety of post-secondary school institutions in the following fields of study: Fire Emergency Service and Rescue, Fire Protection Systems, Fire Protection Technology, Collective Bargaining, Public Administration, Occupational Health and Safety and Labour Relations.

 

Deputy Chief Rob Grimwood, Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services

Rob Grimwood is a Deputy Chief with the City of Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services where he oversees the Professional Development & Accreditation and Communications Divisions, along with serving as the Management Co-Chair for the Joint Health & Safety Committee.

Formerly Rob was the Deputy Chief of Training, Safety, & Special Operations for the City of Vaughan Fire & Rescue Service and the Fire Chief in the City of Dryden, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Haldimand County. He has also served as a Firefighter with the City of Toronto.

He worked as a Paramedic for 20 years and spent nine years as the Paramedic Chief in Haldimand County.

He has been a member of the fire service for the past 28 years, the last 16 of which have been in various senior leadership positions. He is the President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC), Management Co-chair of the Ontario Fire Services Section 21 Committee and an instructor for Dalhousie University’s Fire Service Management Program. 

Deputy Chief Mark Pankhurst, Ajax Fire & Emergency Services

Chief Pankhurst has over 35 years of fire service experience, and he is presently a Deputy Fire Chief with Ajax Fire and Emergency Services and a District Chief with the Algonquin Highlands Fire Services.

 Firefighter health and safety including mental health and wellbeing are initiatives that Mark has championed over his career. He is also a very strong advocate of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the fire services.

 Over the years, Mark has lost many colleagues, friends, and family members to devastating job-related cancers, and he has implemented many strategies to reduce acute and chronic exposure to carcinogens.

This has been accomplished through new fire station design and renovations including exhaust extractors, proper bunker gear washing facilities, the development of decontamination and hygiene practices, and the implementation of many other recommended elements contained within the Cancer Prevention Checklist.

 Mark has been a member of the Ontario Fire Services Section 21 Committee since 2011, and he is a graduate of the Ontario Fire College, Toronto Metropolitan University and Trent University.

 

Dan Worrall, OPFFA Co-Chair

Dan Worrall CD is Fire Captain with the Municipality of Clarington where he started his career as a volunteer in 2002, then transitioned to a career firefighter in July 2004.

Dan also serves as the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association Health and Safety Chair where his responsibilities have him organizing, developing, and addressing issues that affect the over 12,000 career firefighters in Ontario.

Dan represents Labour as the MLITSTD Fire Section 21 Fire Co-Chair. Through his work on Section 21, in 2023 Dan was appointed to the Prevention Council of Ontario for workplace health and safety.

In 2023 Dan was asked to sit on the Board of Directors for the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council. Dan has recently retired from the Canadian Armed Forces (Reserve) where he spent over 36 years serving Canada where he had held various full time and part time positions, which included both domestics and international operations.

Dan holds an OFC Company Officer certificate and is also an Adjunct Instructor with the OFC. Additional qualifications include teaching Resilient Minds, an instructor’s qualification for the RCMP First Responder Terrorism Awareness and Counter Terrorism Information Officer.  He holds a Diploma from Durham College in Public Relations.

 

Firefighter Health & Wellness Programs

In 2023, 54% of firefighter fatalities in North America were caused by sudden medical emergencies, primarily cardiac events. Having an effective firefighter health & wellness program will ensure firefighters are in the proper condition for the rigorous work they are expected to perform.

This session will have Frontline Health & Performance present about the importance of a Firefighter Health & Wellness Program, how these programs can be implemented and what should be considered as part of an effective program.

Presenters: Michael Williams-Bell, Shawn Gilmer and Mark Fitzgerald, Frontline Health and Performance

   

 

Toyota University – Hydrogen Vehicle Training

While fire departments are currently learning about how to safely and effectively respond to accidents and fires involving electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles are already on the road and are becoming more prevalent each day. Hydrogen vehicles are unique and like any new technology requires firefighters to learn about them.

Toyota University will provide attendees with an understanding of how hydrogen vehicles are made & operate and discuss what firefighters need to know to be able to safely and effectively interact with them during accidents and fires.

Presenter: Mario Demers, Consultant, Technical Training, Toyota University

 

 

Breaking the Silence: The Untold Story of Mental Health in the Fire Service

Brandon Evans will unveil the current state of mental health in the fire service, based on groundbreaking international research. He will address the 3 major challenges faced by the fire service, share data collected, discuss the reality of the current state of mental health in the fire service and provide tools and strategies fire departments from around the world are using to improve the mental health of their fire departments. 

Brandon will discuss what preventative mental health initiatives can look like, why they are needed and share resources to help departments get started on implementing these initiatives right away.

Brandon founded Fire to Light, a research and development organization aim to help reduce the rates of PTSD and suicide among Firefighters.  After living his own mental health crisis as a result of years of firefighting and challenges form live, and after attending too many firefighter funerals.  Brandon set forth on a mission to better understand mental health challenges and to take action on preventing firefighter suicides and PTSD. 

Presenters: Brandon Evans 

Fire to Light is a visionary force in the world of fire service, igniting change and fostering resilience.  With a background deeply rooted in both lived experience and extensive research, Fire to Light has emerged as a dynamic advocate for mental health within the fire service.

As a retired firefighter and founder of Fire to Light, Brandon Evans brings a unique perspective to the challenges faced by firefighters worldwide. His journey from the frontlines to the forefront of mental health advocacy has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to driving positive change through research and action.

Brandon's presentation promises to inspire and empower attendees. Drawing from his groundbreaking research and mixed with his personal experiences, he will shed light on the often-overlooked realities of mental health in the fire service. Through sharing data, compelling storytelling and actionable insights, Brandon will challenge attendees to confront stigma, prioritize mental well-being, and transform their approach to firefighter health and wellness. 

He will share best practices from around the world and introduce concepts of Mental Fitness and the importance of Preventative mental health measures.

Brandon founded Fire to Light, a research and development organization aim to help reduce the rates of PTSD and suicide among Firefighters.  After enduring a personal mental health crisis triggered by the cumulative traumas of both his firefighting career and life's challenges, compounded by the sorrow of attending numerous firefighter funerals.  Brandon set forth on a mission to better understand mental health challenges and take action on preventing firefighter suicides and PTSD. 

Brandon’s experience goes far beyond the Firehall, from meditating with the Dalai Lama, to escaping a near pirate attack in the Indian ocean, helping orphans during a genocide in Burma, and losing fellow firefighters to suicide and death.  Brandon has seen his fair share of humanity both in life and as a professional firefighter.

Fire to Light exists to help those who continuously put their lives on the line to help others.  A deep connection to the fire service drives Fire to Light to ensure that action is being taken to protect the lives of firefighters everywhere.  Along with Fire to Lights mission, to help reduce rates of PTSD and Firefighter Suicide; Brandon aims to help show departments “How To” provide preventative mental health measures for firefighters and their department. 

Join us for this transformative presentation as Brandon Evans shares his vision for a healthier, more resilient fire service—one where firefighters thrive both on and off the job.

Fire Department Cancer Prevention Programs Panel

The Ontario Firefighter Cancer Prevention Checklist was created almost four years ago to provide fire departments with guidance on developing cancer prevention programs. Since then, it has been used by Ministry of Labour Inspectors as an enforcement tool and now there is funding available for cancer prevention initiatives.

This session will bring together a panel of Chiefs from different size and type fire departments to discuss their own local cancer prevention programs and what they are doing to prevent firefighter cancer.

Presenters: 

Deputy Chief Bill Blake, Niagara West Fire and Emergency Services

Bill Blake is a 29 year veteran of the fire service, having served as a volunteer firefighter, captain and Deputy Fire Chief. A member of the OAFC Health and Safety Committee since 2022, and an alternate fire coordinator in the Niagara Region. Bill is a strong supporter and champion of firefighter Health and Wellness, including mental wellness and cancer prevention.

 

 

 

Assistant Deputy Chief Gary Bridge, London Fire Department

Assistant Deputy Chief Gary Bridge has always had a passion for assisting others. After earning his Undergraduate Degree and Master in Occupational Therapy at Western University, he dedicated several years to working as an Occupational Therapist. His career then transitioned into various leadership roles within the City of London’s Human Resources Department. Driven by his commitment to helping others and his interest in the Fire Service, Gary joined the London Fire Department, where he initially led the Fire Prevention Division as the Deputy Chief while serving as a Firefighter in Middlesex Centre. Currently, Gary holds the position of Assistant Deputy Chief for the London Fire Department, focusing on Health, Wellness, and Promotion. In this role, he has been instrumental in implementing numerous initiatives aimed at mitigating the hazards faced by fire service personnel. Chief Bridge is deeply committed to ensuring that all employees return home safely to their families and enjoy long, healthy lives.

 

Fire Chief Aaron Burridge, Ajax Fire & Emergency Services

Fire Chief Burridge is responsible for Ajax Fire and Emergency Services, working closely with the Deputy Chiefs.

Fire Chief Burridge started as a volunteer firefighter with the Town of Ajax in May 2000 and was hired as a full-time firefighter in January 2001. He progressed through the ranks to a Qualified Captain, Training Officer, Chief Training Officer, Deputy Fire Chief in October 2016, Interim Fire Chief in 2022 and  was named the Fire Chief in June 2023.  Fire Chief Burridge serves as a member of the OAFC Health and Safety Committee and is an OAFC representative on the Ministry of Labour Section 21 Committee.

Fire Chief Burridge is a graduate of the Ontario Fire College and Toronto Metropolitan University and has throughout the course of his career acquired significant education from a variety of post-secondary school institutions in the following fields of study: Fire Emergency Service and Rescue, Fire Protection Systems, Fire Protection Technology, Collective Bargaining, Public Administration, Occupational Health and Safety and Labour Relations.

 

Fire Chief Rob Martin, Cambridge Fire Department

Rob is a Fire Chief with the City of Cambridge. With over 26 years in the fire service, he has acquired a wide range of experience while filling progressively more senior roles. Rob has spent a decade working as a peer support team member and team coordinator and has the privilege of participating in various provincial committees focused on the mental and physical health of first responders. Throughout his career he has presented to the Ontario Psychological Association, Workplace Safety Insurance Board, Ontario Professional Firefighters Association and various other organizations.

 

 

Ensuring Safety During Training

Next to responding to emergencies, training is one of the highest risks that firefighters face. In 2023, 11% of firefighter deaths in North America occurred during or as a result of training, including sudden medical emergencies.

In this session, the OAFC Training & Education Committee will present on how to improve safety during training. The presentation will address the use of training safety plans, training safety officers, utilizing NFPA 1403 to guide live fire training, how to ensure safety while training with the Mobile Live Fire Training Unit, rehabilitation and preventing heat stress during training and more.

Presenters: 

Deputy Chief Rob Grimwood, Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services Fire 

Rob Grimwood is a Deputy Chief with the City of Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services where he oversees the Professional Development & Accreditation and Communications Divisions, along with serving as the Management Co-Chair for the Joint Health & Safety Committee.

Formerly Rob was the Deputy Chief of Training, Safety, & Special Operations for the City of Vaughan Fire & Rescue Service and the Fire Chief in the City of Dryden, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Haldimand County. He has also served as a Firefighter with the City of Toronto.

He worked as a Paramedic for 20 years and spent nine years as the Paramedic Chief in Haldimand County.

He has been a member of the fire service for the past 28 years, the last 16 of which have been in various senior leadership positions. He is the President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC), Management Co-chair of the Ontario Fire Services Section 21 Committee and an instructor for Dalhousie University’s Fire Service Management Program. 

Fire Chief Brent Thomas, Innisfil Fire & Rescue Services

Chief Thomas leads and manages the fire department's overall operations, which include fire suppression, staff training, emergency management, fire prevention, public education, and strategic service planning. He has over 39 years of progressive experience in emergency services, beginning as a paramedic before shifting to a career in fire services and progressing through the ranks. Before joining the Town of Innisfil, he most recently served as Fire Chief with the Orillia Fire Department and prior to that, held various positions within Orillia and the Stoney Creek, Hamilton, and West Lincoln fire departments. Chief Thomas serves on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs including chair of the Training and Education committee and vice chair of the industry committee.  He is also an advocate for pro active mental health and serves on the Mental Health/DEI Committee for the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.  In his spare time the Chief enjoys spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors.

 

 

Ontario Immediate Family Wellness Program

Dalton Associates, a mental health organization, is partnered with the Ontario Government to provide compassionate care and services to grieving family members of public safety personnel who have lost their lives in the line-of-duty or by suicide.  With the understanding that families of first responders and public safety personnel face unique grief and mental health challenges, this program was implemented to provide culturally responsive, inclusive, safe and accessible support to these individuals who have lost their family in the service of our communities.

Presenters: 

Carl Dalton MSW, RSW - Chief Executive Officer, Dalton Associates Carl brings over two decades of clinical and business leadership experience in education, mental health, and addictions fields. Since 1995, Dalton Associates has developed occupationally and culturally attuned mental health programs and services that aim to fill gaps and remove barriers to timely care. Throughout his career, Carl has learned the key to providing comprehensive services for an organization’s complex needs through collective interventions that emphasize quality services, clear goals, communication, and mutual respect.  

 

 

 

Jen Welsh BA – Manager of First Responder Programs, Dalton Associates Following 18 years of community service in policing, Jen brings her depth of experience, mental health advocacy, and voice as a First Responder to the frontlines of Dalton Associates’ First Responder Programs. Knowing firsthand how difficult it can be to reach in for help, Jen’s management style combines genuine compassion with a service perspective that prioritizes safety, streamlined care, and whole person wellness. In addition to program management, Jen sits on the Dalton Associates First Responder Advisory Council.