Saanich’s Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Manager Rebecca Chow was named one of Canada’s Top Women in Safety by Canadian Occupational Safety magazine. The Top Women in Safety list recognizes women working in safety across Canada and the 40 winners on this list are all women who are at the top of their game!

As Saanich’s OH&S Manager, Rebecca provides strategic direction and management oversight in the area of physical and psychological health and safety for all Saanich employees. Through her role she provides evidence-based opinions and recommendations, both proactively and reactively, to leaders and managers to assist them in effectively managing risk and fulfilling their legal, moral and ethical obligations.

Rebecca is responsible for the District’s Occupational Health and Safety and Workplace Injury Management programs. She oversees training programs, ensuring they meet legislative requirements and support the District’s program and safety culture.

During the pandemic, she has been a critical member of our Emergency Operations Center filling the role of Risk Management. Rebecca played a key role providing support and guidance to the organization being the ‘go to person’ for risk assessments, PPE, first aid kits, cleaning chemicals, safety rules and protocols, reporting on and interpreting directives from the PHO, WorkSafeBC and BCCDC, researching best practices, developing safe work practices, responding to worker health and safety concerns, assisting in specifying and sourcing supplies and guiding the required employee screening questions and process. She also ensured those in the EOC were cared for, affording them the stamina needed to serve Saanich in these unique times!

The health and safety sector is not new to change by any means. By the very nature of what OHS entails, it’s a sector that is in constant flux due to the ever-evolving nature of workplace dangers in Canada. Occupational safety is a profession that is inherently built to evolve and Rebecca is well-equipped to handle it all!