As I reflect on the past year, one theme stands out: people.

Health and safety is often described in terms of systems, standards, and compliance. Those elements matter — but this work is ultimately human. It is about care aides, community health workers, nurses, and leaders who show up every day to support some of the most vulnerable people in our province. It is about the culture we build together to protect them.

This year, our organization experienced a full year with no staff turnover. In a sector facing significant workforce pressures, that stability is not something I take for granted. It reflects a team deeply committed to our mission and to one another — and it has allowed us to strengthen expertise, deepen member relationships, and move initiatives forward with consistency and confidence.

I see that commitment every day. In the responsiveness to members who need practical guidance. In the thoughtful design of new programs. In the willingness to adapt as the sector evolves. Our staff do not approach health and safety as an administrative requirement. They approach it as mission-driven work — and their professionalism and care are what make our impact possible.

The past year brought real momentum. Interest in psychological health and safety grew significantly, with strong participation in our Leaders Forum and the launch of a workplace pilot demonstrating that leaders are ready for meaningful conversations about culture, workload, and well-being. This signals a maturing understanding: health and safety extends beyond physical injury prevention. It includes the conditions that allow people to thrive.

Our core services expanded alongside that momentum. Consultative services increased by nearly 60 percent, fit testing volumes rose sharply, and we received the highest number of Safety Den submissions to date. We delivered a record 46 webinars, nearly 600 participants registered for Hearts and Hands, we migrated to a new learning management system, and we brought on-site education pop-ups directly to member sites.

Injury rates continue to decline — meaningful progress, and a testament to the efforts of employers, workers, and partners across British Columbia. Yet significant opportunity remains in long-term care and community health support. Progress invites continued effort, not complacency.

What keeps me coming back is the calibre of people I have the privilege to work alongside, within SafeCare BC and across the sector. The relationships, the shared problem-solving, the collective commitment to protecting workers — that is what sustains this work.