This is an opportunity for employers who are new to the program, or who have been developing their safety management system, to receive guidance from employers who have successfully implemented a safety management system in their workplace.


What is the Work Safe Alberta Mentorship Program?

The voluntary program consists of people with a safety background from companies with good safety records (the mentors) acting as peer advisors to managers, safety personnel and supervisors who want to improve their company's workplace safety systems and practices. The mentors volunteer for their role because they choose to share their experience and knowledge with other executives who seek guidance.

What are some benefits of companies seeking assistance through the program?

Effective workplace health and safety programs can reduce injuries, lower WCB premiums, develop a provincial workforce trained in safety procedures and reduce lost time claims.
A mentor can improve a company's decision-making network and provide strategies to develop solutions for safety system problems.
What a mentor cannot do is build a successful health and safety culture in a company, unless everyone from CEOs to frontline workers are committed to making safety training a high priority.

How does peer mentorship work?

The mentor is not teaching skills, setting up a safety program for another business, or making decisions for the other managers, safety advisors or supervisors. The mentor's role is to act as a coach or guide. The role of the manager, safety advisor or supervisor who receives this guidance is to be open-minded, interested in learning and most importantly, to be willing to apply strategies that contribute to making their company a safer place to work.

Planning, identifying expectations, and establishing boundaries between the two helps create a constructive business relationship.

How long do mentored business relationships last?

Both parties agree to a start and end date. They may decide on a year or two, with an evaluation at some point in the process.

Does the mentor always have to meet in person with the manager, safety advisor or supervisor receiving assistance?

Each relationship is customized to fit specific circumstances. Both parties decide on communications strategies: in-person, phone or email.

How is confidentiality handled?

The mentor offers "general" best practice strategies, which protects confidential details about company operations.

How frequently should the parties have contact?

The parties establish a schedule that is agreeable to both.

Take advantage of htis opportunity. We nave a number of Mentors who are ready to work with employers in this program.

If you have any questions or if you are interested in participating in this program please contact Mike Joyce in the Edmonton office at 428-1006.