Occupational Health and Safety Canada (OHS) has named Dane DeMan, who leads the University Health & Safety unit, one of Canada’s Top 25 health and safety practitioners under 40 in recognition of his dedication to health and safety leadership.
DeMan, who has worked in health and safety at McMaster since 2010, leads health and safety programs and strategies in compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
“This award is incredibly meaningful to me” said DeMan, who was nominated by his colleagues.
“You are only as strong as your team, and I am incredibly fortunate to have the support of a hardworking group within Health & Safety at McMaster.”
DeMan and his team support the health and safety infrastructure for the university, including the Central Joint Health and Safety Committee and 26 joint health and safety committees across campus, the chemical inventory program, student event approvals, injury & incident reporting, and liaising with regulatory officials. The team also works closely and collaboratively with the Faculty of Health Sciences Safety Office.
They also deliver the university’s health and safety training program and champion solutions to ensure the university takes every reasonable approach to protect the community.
DeMan is enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead and an increasing understanding of the importance of health and safety in workplaces.
“I’m looking forward to the continued collaboration with campus partners and finding opportunities to proactively advance health and safety protocols across the university,” he said.
Health and safety was a key issue during COVID-19, and DeMan and his team were actively involved in developing procedures and programming throughout the pandemic, including various return to campus protocols.
“Dane was a pillar throughout the pandemic,” said Wanda McKenna, assistant-vice president and chief human resource officer.
“He provided guidance, leadership and the tools necessary to ensure the health and safety of thousands of staff, faculty, and students.”
“Dane continues to show exemplary leadership skills and dedication to the health and safety of the university. We’re thrilled that he could be recognized”.