SafeCare BC has announced that Mr. Steve Newhouse will be joining their organization as Director of Programs and Sector Services. This is a new position that has been established to work directly with members and seniors care stakeholders across the province to further develop sector-specific projects, learning management systems and partnership opportunities for program development and delivery.
Steve is coming to SafeCare BC with over seven years of experience working in a variety of occupational health and safety roles with health authorities across the province. Among other things, Steve has been a Canadian Registered Safety Professional for the past two-and-a-half years.
He will start his new role January 4, 2016 and can be reached directly at steve@safecarebc.ca.
SafeCare BC sat down with Steve for a Q&A:
Q: Where are you from?
SN: I grew up in Calgary. I moved to B.C. in 2003 and I have lived in the Lower Mainland and in Victoria since then.
Q: Where did you get your university education?
SN: I earned my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary. I attended Mt. Royal University as well, also in Calgary.
Q: What work experience do you have?
SN: I have worked a lot in recreation/facility operations in the past. For seven years I worked in Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) for the Health Authorities in B.C.
Q: What interest and experience do you have in the continuing care sector?
SN: I have already been working in the sector for several years while doing OH&S with the Health Authorities. I volunteered at a fire department so I guess I have an interest in helping people. I have also been a Canadian Registered Safety Professional for the past two-and-a-half years.
Q: Why is it important for continuing care workers to be well-informed when it comes to safety in the workplace?
SN: Big picture: it develops a good working atmosphere for everyone involved, whether it’s staff, management or residents. When a workplace is safe, employees feel like their employers are looking out for them and have their best interests in mind. Paying attention to safety can go a long way in creating a more content working environment.
Q: What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
SN: I like traveling, hiking, photography and Thai cooking.
