Sustainability, Health & Safety: A Manufacturing Excellence Forum
EMC’s 2024 Manufacturing Excellence Forum has been designed to address current industry challenges and prepare for the future.
Manufacturing Excellence Forum - Event Overview
November 13, 2024, 8:00am – 1:00pm | Centennial College Event Space
8:00am - Registration & Networking Breakfast
8:30am - Opening Remarks
8:45am - Opening Presentation - Prevention Works: An Overview of the Ontario Government's Health & Safety Strategy, with Dr. Joel Moody, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
9:15am - Networking Break
9:30am - The Safety Journey - A presentation by Sam Altobello and Basem Asihk, Burnbrae Farms
10:20am - Networking Break
10:30am - Panel Discussion: Beyond Compliance: Health, Safety and Sustainability Best Practices for Manufacturers
11:30am - Networking Break
12:00pm - Lunch
Presentations
Dr Joel Moody will be speaking about Ontario’s Health and Safety Prevention Strategy.
About Dr. Joel Moody:
Dr. Joel Moody was appointed as Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer effective September 15, 2021. Prior to this appointment, he was Chief Public Safety Officer and Senior Director Analytics of the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and has close to twenty years’ experience working in various labour organizations throughout the province of Ontario.
Dr. Moody leads the Prevention Division of MLITSD and is responsible for the oversight of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Prevention System. He provides advice to the Minister on the prevention of workplace injuries and occupational diseases and on any proposed changes to the funding and delivery of services for the prevention of workplace injuries and occupational diseases. He works with the WSIB and the Health and Safety Associations (HSAs) and related stakeholders to advance the transformation of the occupational health and safety system to an evidence-based and outcome focused model to eliminate workplace injuries, fatalities, and illnesses in Ontario.
Throughout his career, Dr. Moody has championed innovative approaches to harm reduction and regulatory oversight. He is well known throughout the health and safety sector for his ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, as well as his passion for worker health and safety. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are also central to his philosophy and leadership.
Dr. Moody holds an Executive Education Certification in Strategic Management of Regulator and Enforcement Agencies Program from Harvard University, a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and an Advanced Certificate in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from George Washington University, a Master of Public Health (M.P.H) International Health/Epidemiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Civil/Environmental Engineering from Duke University.
The Safety Journey
Join us for an insightful presentation by Sam Altobello, National Health and Safety Director and Basem Asikh, Health and Safety Coordinator & Sanitation Supervisor at Burnbrae Farms.
In the first segment, Sam will provide an overview of the company history, core values, Corporate Social Responsibility, the corporate Health and Safety Program, and the company’s safety journey.
Following this, Basem will share the remarkable achievements at the Mississauga plant, which has achieved over 3,000 days without a lost-time accident. The discussion will also cover employee engagement, the plant's safety culture, and key successes. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about Burnbrae Farms’s commitment to safety and their impressive accomplishments.
About Sam Altobello:
Sam Altobello has been the National Director of Health and Safety at Burnbrae Farms since 2021. He has worked as a safety professional since 1995, and has worked in food manufacturing, distribution, safety consulting and the courier industry.
Sam attended Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) in the 1990s before deciding to pursue his designations in health and safety, specifically the CRSP and CHSC. He has been a part of the WSPS advisory committee for 10 years and has been a presenter at the 2020 annual WSPS conference.
In Sam’s career, he has received two employer awards for his contribution to health and safety: the Rod James Health & Safety Award at Loblaws, and the Circle of Excellence award from Purolator.
Sam has two sons, aged 25 and 21, both of whom have graduated in HR and HVAC. Sam enjoys swimming and, during the summer, loves to walk and vacation at locations with white sandy beach and blue waters. In the winter, he volunteers his time by coaching AA hockey, a commitment he has maintained since his sons were three years old.
Looking ahead, Sam aims to continue helping Burnbrae work towards a “best-in-class” safety program and culture.
About Basem Asihk:
After studying Occupational Health and Safety at Herzing College in partnership with the University of Winnipeg, Basem Asihk ventured into the realm of private investigation with the Discovery Group of Investigators Ltd. While his primary focus was on insurance fraud claims, he also handled private matters such as custody and infidelity. With expertise in OSINT (Online Social Intelligence) research, curbside surveillance, and undercover operations, the skills Basem acquired as a Private Investigator lend themselves seamlessly to identifying workplace hazards, spotlighting areas of concern, and delving into incident investigations.
Basem also gained experience in the food industry and construction, including a stint as a machine operator in landscaping, providing him with valuable insights into workplace hazards and the worker’s perspective.
At Burnbrae Farms Mississauga, where he has worked for over a year and a half (including a two-month internship), Basem has revamped the safety manual, overhauled health and safety procedures, enhanced safety culture with material for NAOSH Week, created mental health and well-being resources, mentored safety students, and improved plant safety by identifying and addressing potential hazards for effective control measures. Within this time, Basem has also taken on the role of Sanitation Supervisor.
Beyond Compliance: Health, Safety and Sustainability Best Practices for Manufacturers
Join us for an engaging panel discussion where industry leaders will share valuable insights on the critical intersection of health, safety, and sustainability in the manufacturing sector. Our panelists will discuss best practices, innovative strategies, and experiences that highlight the importance of fostering a safe and sustainable workplace. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and inspiration to enhance their own health and safety initiatives while promoting sustainability within their organizations.
Our Panelists:
Mounir Sinno, H&S Manager, Johnvince Foods
Hugh Caines, CEO, CleanRiver Recycling Solutions
Khalid Abdullah, IMS Manager, Zochem
Event Partners:
