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2017 was a milestone year , marking the completion of 20 years of providing health and safety services and programs to the performing arts , live events , motion picture , and television industries !
2017 also marked the final year of the execution of the three-year strategic plan established in 2015 . This annual report provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the success of that plan before we launch into our third decade serving our members , stakeholders and community . In that last plan , we had three “ milestone ” goals that we wanted to reach by the end of 2017 . Here is how we did .
Milestone # 1 : “ To have an expanded offering of industry-specific safety awareness education programs to support employers health and safety programs and services in the sectors we serve .”
The evidence is clear in this report , and from the previous years , that we have not only met , but exceeded this milestone . 2017 saw the launch of three new safety awareness workshops ; “ Safety for Supervisors ”, “ Joint Health and Safety Committee Fundamentals ”, and “ Performing Arts Safety Awareness ”.
Not only are we training thousands of workers , supervisors , and employers annually , but , these new programs are also being offered for free , which was one of the main objectives of the 2015-2017 business plan .
Milestone # 2 : “ To offer an integrated safety records data keeping system that facilitates the transfer of safety training records between employers and workers without compromising security , data integrity , or privacy .”
In the fall of 2017 Actsafe launched the STAR system . Short for “ Safety Training and Records ”, STAR is a state-of-the-art , enterprise-level learning management system ( LMS ) that not only replaces our aging legacy database but brings multiple value-added features to its users .
New features include a new elegant and easyto-use search interface , digital certificates , and a “ Contact Me ” feature to facilitate information sharing among stakeholders . Hosted on
Canadian servers with redundant backups and disaster recovery protocols , users can be assured that their training records are safe and secure at the highest possible level .
Milestone # 3 : “ Increase physical and digital engagement with industry ; providing worksite services , consulting services , and industry safety events combined with easy to access and use online resources and tools .”
One of the most notable accomplishments towards this milestone is reflected in the “ Actsafe Event Safety Conference ” that had its inaugural year in 2017 ! As you will read more of in this report , the conference exceeded all expectations and is poised to become an annual event at Actsafe . Kudos must be given to Actsafe ’ s Communications team who were behind the success of this event .
Additionally , in 2016 Actsafe split its single Occupational Health and Safety staff position into two industry advisor positions . Both advisors have industry experience , knowledge , and professional networks as well as SSO ( Site Safety Officer ) certification from BCIT . As a result of their outstanding work , engagement in the workplace continues to be well received by our members , allowing us to consider continued growth over the coming years .
Unfortunately , one area that we fell behind target was in the deployment of an updated website to improve user experience with our online resources . While minor upgrades have been kept up , the big “ reveal ” of our new website didn ’ t happen in 2017 as expected . However , we are confident the wait will be worth it and it won ’ t be much longer !
As the year came to an end we also looked forward to the beginning of a new 5-year strategic plan developed in deep collaboration with our Standing Committee Members and approved by the Board of Directors at the end of 2017 . It is from this tireless work and support of the volunteers who serve on our Committees and Board , WorkSafeBC , and countless other stakeholders that Actsafe ’ s star will continue to shine brightly as we enter our third decade of service !
Jeff Christian Geoff Teoli
Chair
Executive Director
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