MHCA names WORKSAFELY® program director
Dennis Cruise, Chair of the MCHA Board of Directors, is very pleased to announce that Jacquelyn Oduro will start as Director of the MHCA WORKSAFELY® Program December 18, 2023. She succeeds Don Hurst who announced earlier in the year his intention to retire on December 31.
Oduro comes to the MHCA with experience since 2019 as Safety Program Director of the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association ‘Sales and Service Safety Association (S2SA)’ the development of which she directed and oversaw.
In that role, Oduro oversaw a team of safety experts and was dedicated to simplifying safety systems and reducing injury rates.
She also provided leadership and guidance to a team of safety experts, overseeing trainers, advisors, auditors, and support staff, including marketing. Her contributions have led to significant growth, doubling membership, increasing training participation sevenfold, and tripling SAFE Work Certifications achieved.
Like the MHCA WORKSAFELY® PROGRAM, S2SA is one of six industry-based safety programs charged with delivering workplace safety support and education in partnership with the WCB and SAFEWORK Manitoba.
“We are very excited to have Jacquelyn join the MHCA and lead the WORKSAFELY® program, continuing the excellent work and proud history of our workplace safety & health and education and training initiatives,” Cruise said.
Oduro also plays a significant role in various safety-related associations and councils, contributing to the broader safety community in Canada.
“Jacquelyn’s background is in an area of leadership experience necessary to ensure our program continues to excel, grow and deliver the required leading-edge education and training to keep the heavy construction workforce safe, and provide industry with program excellence,” added Peter Paulic, Chair of the MCHA WORKSAFELY® Committee.
Cruise and Paulic represented the MCHA Board in the comprehensive search for Hurst’s successor. They were supported in their efforts by Chris Lorenc, President & CEO of MHCA, and People First HR.
Oduro has over 15 years of diverse consulting experience including in heavy civil, ICI, retail, motor vehicle, property management and manufacturing sectors.
Her education and professional certification background includes Canadian Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC) – 2019; Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) – 2011; Occupational Health and Safety Certificate – Red River College Polytechnic – 2011; and Bachelor of Arts, University of Manitoba – 2001.
As a Certified Safety Professional and leader, she is experienced in strategic planning, safety program development, and building relationships with various stakeholders. Jacquelyn was named the 2023 Top Woman in Safety Award. See details here.
Oduro’s family background has instilled in her an interest in the industry. Growing up in Saskatchewan, her family’s business specialized in ready-mix concrete. Her commitment to occupational health and safety deepened significantly after a workplace fatality in her family’s business, which reshaped her perspective and heightened her passion for safety both from the human and business perspective.
As a safety consultant, she has managed multiple clients, teams and operations. Oduro is currently the Chair of the IBSP Council which meets to discuss, review and advance common objectives to the WCB/SAFEWORK Manitoba. In addition, she is Education Chair, Canadian Safety Society of Engineering – MB Chapter; previous COR™ and SWC Auditor; and Respirator Fit Tester. For her full resume, please click here.
“Jacquelyn’s skill and demonstrated leadership in building relations with stakeholders is an essential leadership strength which she brings in spades,” said Chris Lorenc, President & CEO of MHCA.
“I became interested in safety because of a tragedy that hit my parents’ concrete business and have always had a soft spot for the heavy construction industry. So, this is like coming home for me,” said Oduro. “I am very excited to begin a new chapter of my safety leadership career with the team at the MCHA WORKSAFELY® Program.”
