The OPFFA hosts nearly 200 delegates to the annual Occupational Health and Safety Seminar.

This annual event attracts professional fire fighter representatives, Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and City officials responsible for health and safety from across the province.

As President LeBlanc stated in his opening address, "Ensuring and enhancing the health and safety of our members is one of the most important responsibilities that we can do within our fire service as a whole.  It is properly, a legislated and joint responsibility that must be proactively adopted throughout all levels of the fire service.  That is why we have opened the doors to this seminar to our Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and city officials charged with Health & Safety responsibilities.  Because when it comes to our member's safety we should all be working from the same side (see the full text of President LeBlanc's address by clicking the link below)

The delegates also heard from Ontario's Minister of Labour, the Hon. Peter Fonseca, Ontario's Fire Marshal Pat Burke, Brampton's Deputy Chief Matt Pegg, Bruce White IAFF Coordinator for the IAFF Hazmat program, and a key note presentation from Fire Chief Bobby Halton.

The remainder of the seminar will see the delegates will attend workshops covering the following topics:

• Level 1 and 2 Certification,
• Air bag technology and auto extrication
• Preparing your recruits and retirees for occupational disease
• Self Survival and RIT demonstrations at the Toronto Fire Services Special Operations Centre
• Accident Investigation

As well delegates will learn the latest in technology regarding early screening for bladder cancer and hear from presenters regarding concerns with the use of certain materials in flashover chambers.

Fire service manufacturers will be in attendance on Tuesday to display the latest in fire service clothing, gear, and related products.

The OPFFA is the only state or provincial organization that sponsors a stand alone fire fighter health and safety seminar which runs annually. 

For more information on this seminar click the agenda link below.

President LeBlanc's Opening Address

2009 Health & Safety Seminar agenda

2009 H&S Seminar Workshop Schedule

VIDEO PRESENTATION: President LeBlanc's Opening Address

PHOTO ALBUM: Various photos to date from the 2009 H&S Seminar
(Password must be obtained from an Executive Board Member of your Local)