Archives: Agendas

Novel media amendments: How well can they reduce fertilizer use?

Christine George
Christine George is a researcher with the Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) in Niagara College’s Research & Innovation department and teaches part-time in the School of Environment and Horticulture. Her previous experience includes working with field crops, greenhouses, and horticulture, specializing in soil and potting media. Christine holds a Bachelor’s in Science, minor in Microbiology and a Master’s in Land Resource Science from the University of Guelph. With Niagara College, she leads and supports the success of applied research projects that aim to bring together research institutions and greenhouse and technology businesses to accelerate the development, commercialization and adoption of new technologies. Her current research projects focus on validating novel products and/or technology through growth trials within greenhouses.

Cultivating a Culture of Health and Safety: Greenhouse safety and the law; the business case for OHS in greenhouses

Greenhouse operators juggle competing priorities related to labour shortages, environmental issues, and the economy. Many perceive health and safety as expensive and limiting but there is a mounting body of evidence to support the return on investment (ROI) of workplace interventions directed at improving the health and safety of workers.

Through an engaging, interactive approach, this presentation from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services will:

  • Present the evidence and the cost/benefit analysis of OHS to greenhouse operators;
  • Engage greenhouse organizations and key stakeholders to recognize and understand the legal health and safety requirements and regulations;
  • Help workplace parties understand their roles, responsibilities, and obligations; and
  • Increase industry awareness of the risks and necessary controls to ensure a health workplace.

The economic impact of a lost time injury in this sector can be significant: downtime/lost production, impact on team performance, and the challenges of recruiting specialized replacement workers. Prioritizing investments in ‘social capital’ through comprehensive health and safety programs generates positive results such as: increased productivity and organizational performance through better employee morale, fewer absences, stable production, a positive impact on reputation/brand, stronger competitive advantage and reduced WSIB premiums.

The presentation will explore and build on these themes.