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For immediate release

February 27, 2024

 

Swift Current, SK – The local construction community in Swift Current is gathering on March 7 to highlight the importance of preparation, ongoing education and awareness for workplace safety on Saskatchewan construction sites. Hosted by the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA), the lunch event at the Living Sky Casino features guest speaker Greg Johnson, known as the Tornado Hunter.

 

Johnson is one of North America’s top professional storm chasers and severe weather experts. He uses stories, photos and videos from his storm chasing experience to illustrate the similarities between working in extreme weather situations and addressing the risks on construction sites. In both environments, safety is not to be taken lightly.

 

“The key message for me is that there's a difference between taking risks and being reckless,” says Johnson. “So I will speak to what I do and how that philosophy influences my decision making.”

 

Education, awareness and knowing how to stay safe so he can return home to share the story are crucial in Johnson’s unique line of work. “I’m not trying to appeal to somebody who’s telling me I have to be safe. It's not about following a regulation or a rule. It's about being able to get home at the end of the night,” says Johnson. He adds that it goes beyond just following rules, it’s about prioritizing a personal safety culture.

 

Edward Pyle, SCSA vice president, encourages members of the construction community to attend the event as an opportunity to meet with peers, get an update from their safety association and learn from Johnson. “Safety is not some boring topic that only lives in a binder or on a checklist. It’s a dynamic, ongoing, daily commitment,” says Pyle. “Greg’s presentation is sure to entertain, but also drive home the message of staying safe within extreme situations.”

 

Johnson adds that “construction season is tornado season.” Audience members will have the chance to ask any of their safety or weather-related questions following the presentation. 

 

The SCSA’s lunch event with guest speaker Greg Johnson takes place at the Living Sky Casino in Swift Current on Thursday, March 7 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but tickets should be reserved online in advance. 

 

SCSA members are also invited to attend the Annual General Meeting before lunch, beginning at 11 a.m. For more information and to register for the event visit: www.scsaonline.ca/events/agm