Hamilton, ON, June 2, 2005 -- The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) announced the winners of this year's Dick Martin Scholarship Award to three people who are each in their own way, pursuing a role that will help to keep people healthy and safe at work. Shane Journeay of Milton, Nova Scotia, Ashley Soetemans of Niagara Region, Ontario and Jodi Van Valkenburg from Hamilton, Ontario were selected by CCOHS to each receive the $1000 scholarship. CCOHS makes this annual, national award available to post-secondary students enrolled in occupational health and safety programmes in Canada, to foster interest in the field of workplace health and safety. Each of the recipients possesses an interest in a unique aspect of occupational health and safety, ranging from nanotechnology to injury prevention and workplace wellness. Shane Journeay calls Nova Scotia home. With a list of academic achievements far too lengthy to list, Shane received his BSc and Masters Degree at the University of Ottawa and is almost two years into his PhD in Toxicology at the University of Saskatchewan. He has a broad interest in human health and performance, particularly as it relates to extreme environments in industry. His experience includes ergonomics, having worked in the treatment and prevention of occupational soft tissue injuries in pulp & paper mills and sawmills. He has also completed an internship in Environmental Health and Safety as an Ergonomics specialist in an Ottawa telecommunications firm. Shane is interested in occupational toxicology with specialization in respiratory toxicology and the possible health impacts associated with nanotechnology. When he completes his Ph.D, Shane plans to pursue a Medical Degree, and being one of the first researchers in Canada to study possible toxicological effects of nanomaterials, he envisions a role for himself in shaping our approach to the occupational safety and health of the nanotechnology industry as well. Ashley Soetemans, originally from Calgary Alberta recently graduated from Brock University with a BA in Community Health Sciences and a minor is psychology. Ashley volunteers for the Public Health Department in the Workplace Wellness division as well as for two manufacturing companies doing workplace wellness. Her volunteer experience also includes being a statistics tutor and working on-campus booths on safe sex and gambling. As a health promoter Ashley has aspirations of being employed at a major corporation and making an impact on the employees' wellness and well being. She believes physical activity is a great cause and an easy solution that workplaces and organizations can easily promote to better their employees, and all of society. She hopes that one day people will look back and will be able to say she was committed, enthusiastic and drew in others to help support a worthy cause. Jodi Van Valkenburg's decision to pursue higher education in the field of occupational health and safety was borne from an injury she sustained to her fingers while working as an apprentice millwright in construction. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario and a construction millwright since 1995, Jodi recently completed the second year of the fast track Bachelor of Applied Science program in Occupational Health and Safety at Ryerson University. Jodi has a particular interest in the construction industry's approach to safety and seeks to gain insight into the nature of accidents in hopes of lowering the probability of future occurrences. She believes that employers must foster a positive safety culture including safety policies that go above and beyond what is required, to show workers that there is genuine concern for their welfare. Jodi plans to pursue the CRSP designation and perhaps, a Masters degree in Occupational Hygiene in the future. CCOHS' Council of Governors established an occupational health and safety scholarship fund in 2002 in the memory of Dick Martin, a tireless pioneer of workplace health and safety in Canada. As part of the evaluation criteria for the award, applicants submitted essays related to their aspirations in occupational health and safety and were judged on their knowledge of the subject matter, understanding the principles and values of Dick Martin, and understanding the role of CCOHS. The essays are posted on the CCOHS website. - 30 - For further information, contact: Eleanor Irwin Manager - Marketing, Sales and Communications Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) 905-572-2981, Ext. 4408 Email: eleanori@ccohs.ca Please visit www.ccohs-cchst.gc.ca About CCOHS The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), formed in 1978, is a Canadian federal government agency based in Hamilton, Ontario. CCOHS provides Canadians with unbiased, relevant information and advice that supports responsible decision-making and promotes safe and healthy working environments. CCOHS makes a wide range of occupational health and safety information readily available, in language that is appropriate for all users, from the general public to the health and safety professional. Internationally, the Centre is renowned as an innovative, authoritative occupational health and safety resource. CCOHS partners and collaborates with agencies and organizations from Canada and around the world to improve the quality and quantity of resources and programs, as well as expand the breadth of usage of occupational health information to many different segments of society.
